LEONARDTOWN, MD – In an effort to continue its longstanding tradition of promoting safe and sober graduation celebrations, the State’s Attorney’s Office for St. Mary’s County has announced the 40th Annual Project Graduation. The event, a hallmark of community collaboration, aims to offer a memorable and secure way for high school seniors to mark the culmination of their academic journey.
Initiated in 1984 by then State’s Attorney Walter Dorsey, Project Graduation was designed as a proactive measure to ensure graduates celebrate their achievements without resorting to alcohol or drugs. Four decades on, the initiative stands as a testament to its enduring success and relevance, attracting wide-ranging support from law enforcement, educational institutions, local government, health services, community clubs, and numerous volunteers.
This year’s celebration is scheduled from May 28th to May 31st, with festivities planned at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Each day is allocated to different schools, allowing for a more personalized and engaging experience for attendees. The event lineup includes Chesterton Academy, King’s Christian Academy, Leonard Hall Jr. Naval Academy, and St. Mary’s Ryken on May 28th; Chopticon High School on May 29th; Leonardtown High School on May 30th; and concludes with Great Mills High School on May 31st.
Attendees can look forward to an array of activities designed to cater to diverse interests, including bowling, escape rooms, basketball, obstacle courses, swimming, movies, gaming, volleyball, and bungee runs. Beyond entertainment, the event emphasizes community and safety, providing graduates and their guests with a substance-free environment to celebrate their milestone.
Participation details and registration information will be communicated directly to the seniors by their respective schools, ensuring that every graduating student has the opportunity to be part of this cherished local tradition.
Over the years, Project Graduation has not only served as a safe harbor for celebrating youth but also as a bridge that connects various sectors of the community in support of its younger members. It’s a collective effort that underscores the importance of making responsible choices while still enjoying one of life’s significant rites of passage.
As St. Mary’s County prepares to host the 40th iteration of this event, the legacy of Project Graduation continues to evolve, reflecting the community’s steadfast commitment to its future generations.
