Mayor Emery Doughtie, who turned himself in, was philosophical as he walked into a makeshift jail across the street from Roanoke Rapids High School.

“I feel anything we can do for the youth and take part in an investment in them is investing in our future,” the mayor said after being booked for a donation to the Roanoke Rapids High School 2015 Project Graduation Jail & Bail.

Coggins, who was the first public official to be escorted in handcuffs to the jail by Halifax County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Bruce Temple, said, “It's a good cause … With parental guidance you hope it can guide them in the right direction.”

Coggins and Doughtie get their jail meal of bread and water.

Project Graduation is an all-night celebration that follows the high school's commencement ceremony and is held at T.J. Davis Recreation Center where the students are locked in for the night.

With the lock-in comes entertainment, catered food and gifts, said Cheri Johnson, who with David Pratt, is this year's co-chair for the event.

It has been a Roanoke Rapids High School tradition since the late 1980s, she said. Some 30 parents are involved with the goal to raise at least $30,000 to provide the entertainment, a DJ, gifts and food.

Doughtie puts on his orange jumpsuit with Johnson ready to help.

“It lets them all be together,” said Sally Faison, one of the parents involved in today's Jail & Bail. “It keeps them safe that night. It's going to be the last time they're together.”

Temple sees assisting in the fundraiser as a community outreach for the sheriff's office. “Law enforcement always supports this endeavor. Overall, it's a safe environment for the youth that night.”

Several fundraisers will be held throughout the year for the event, Johnson said.

A pie sale is scheduled for November 26 where pumpkin, sweet potato, chocolate chess, lemon and pecan are being sold for $8 each. More information on that sale can be obtained through the Project Graduation Facebook page or by calling Johnson at 252-676-1485. Additional information on Project Graduation can be obtained by calling Johnson or Faison at 252-537-1574.