The Queen Anne’s County Board of Education, in partnership with the Queen Anne’s County Chamber of Commerce, Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Department, Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, Queen Anne’s County Department of Health, Drug Free Queen Anne’s Coalition, and both county high school Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapters today announced a joint campaign to support a safe Prom and Graduation season.   “The Spring brings highly anticipated times of celebration and recognition for county high school students,” stated Dr. Carol Williamson, Superintendent of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. “Prom and graduation are milestones to which students, parents, schools, and the community look forward.  But,” she continued, “this exciting time of year can be made dangerous by the addition of alcohol use by minors.”   

The campaign has several different facets.  The first involves the use of posters, yard signs, buttons and refrigerator clings to be used by businesses, schools, and families to encourage an alcohol-free prom and graduation season.  The second is a combined effort on the part of the Sheriff’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office to make parents aware of the penalties associated with having minors drink in their homes or on their properties.  The third facet of the campaign is a Web site parents and students can go to for ideas on how to host pre and post prom and graduation parties that focus on fun.

For information on getting campaign materials such as yard signs, posters, buttons and other materials, contact the Queen Anne’s County Alliance to Reduce Alcohol Abuse at the Queen Anne’s County Board of Education, 410-758-2403 x. 150, or Suzanne Hogan, at hogans@qacps.k12.md.us.  For tips on a safe and sober prom and graduation season, visit the web at http://qacps.schoolwires.net/18511032412534790/site/default.asp.