Schuylkill County is providing funds to give students in four county school districts activities to provide alternatives to drink alcohol around graduation and the prom.

Wednesday morning, the commissioners voted to give the Tamaqua Area, North Schuylkill and Mahanoy Area school districts up to $2,000 each for an event, and the Williams Valley School District up to $1,100.

In Tamaqua, the money goes to a pre-prom awareness “field flick” event put on by the Raider Step Up Club.

In Mahanoy Area, the money goes to a kickoff to graduation event, and in North Schuylkill, the money goes to fund a pre-graduation party for the senior class. The Williams Valley event is a graduation luncheon for seniors.

Elaine Gilbert, from the county’s Drug and Alcohol office, explained the funding.

“These programs are considered prevention services,” Gilbert explained. “We provide these programs every year. It’s meant to keep kids from doing ‘kids things’ at graduation and the prom.”

Tamaqua area also did other prevention events.

Seniors attending the prom were encouraged to sign “The Key,” pledging not to drink and drive during prom. Students who have signed The Key were entered into a raffle to win gas cards donated by local businesses.

The Tamaqua Police Department also held an assembly for all senior and junior students stressing the dangers and results of drinking and driving. Also, faculty members, staff and administrators read messages to the students over the announcements throughout the day.

Seniors simulated drunken driving in their physical education classes by attempting to operate golf carts and other activities with special goggles.

The commissioners also approved federal Community Development Block Grant funds for two projects in Tamaqua.

They awarded a $99,799.11 contract to H&P Construction for projects at the North/Middle and South Ward playgrounds. The contract will be paid for using $28,861,22 in CDBG funds, and $70,937.49 in funds obtained by the borough.

Cheryl Fuss, from the county grantwriter’s office, said the funds will be used to provide fencing and gates, as well as Americans with Disabilities Act ramps and walkways.

The commissioners also voted to advertise for bids for a CDBG street improvement project. Bids will be accepted via PennBid, and must be submitted by 9 a.m. June 26, at which time they will be opened.

Fuss said the project will be to pave Cedar and Clay streets in Tamaqua.