Staff photo by GRETCHEN PHILLIPS Ashley Akers, 18, and Nicholas Buchanon, 17, graduates of La Plata High School, have their photo taken Tuesday for a commemorative keychain during Project Graduation at the College of Southern Maryland La Plata campus. Project Graduation is hosted each year by the Charles County Citizens for Substance Free Youth, formerly the Chemical People of Charles County.

Staff photo by GRETCHEN PHILLIPS Thousands of students from the six Charles County high schools attended Project Graduation on Monday and Tuesday evenings to celebrate their accomplishments in a drug- and alcohol-free environment. The event is hosted each year by the Charles County Citizens for Substance Free Youth, formerly the Chemical People of Charles County. Project Graduation is held at the College of Southern Maryland La Plata campus.