Beyond Scared Straight |

Follow Up

Hagerstown, MD

Maryland inmates gave a group of five at-risk teens a taste of prison when they were forced to eat “Lock-up Loaf,” a brick of baked mush served to unruly prisoners.

Brandy

AT THE CONCLUSION OF PRODUCTIONBrandy has cut down on cigarettes but she still smokes pot daily.

LATEST UPDATE: DECEMBER 2011Now in her senior year of high school, Brandy is taking online courses and has the necessary credits to graduate on time. Brandy works as a babysitter for neighborhood families and is building a good reputation for being trustworthy.

According to school counselors, Brandy agreed to study from home after having conflicts with a female classmate. Brandy would rather study from home than feel the need to fight over petty differences. By January 2012, Brandy expects to receive a notice from her school stating that she completed all the courses necessary to graduate. Brandy plans to attend her graduating class ceremony this spring and receive her high school diploma.

Garrett

AT THE CONCLUSION OF PRODUCTIONThough he struggles to pay attention in school, Garrett has stopped fighting. He now regularly volunteers to do household chores.

LATEST UPDATE: DECEMBER 2011According to his school counselor, Garrett continues to regularly display spurts of problematic behavior, such as fighting students and staff. His mood swings often depend on what is going on at home.

Garrett does display a softer side. He is involved in a music program that is currently rehearsing for an annual Christmas concert at his school. Garrett will be singing in the chorus and playing the drums and guitar. Garrett’s counselor believes this is one of his favorite school activities, because he behaves relatively well in it.

Garrett’s teachers and counselor hope that as Garrett gets older, he will better understand how to manage his feelings and use school as a positive outlet and not a place to act out his aggravations.

Shawn

AT THE CONCLUSION OF PRODUCTIONSince the prison visit, Shawn is staying out of fights, getting good grades and is seeking work. Brandy has inspired Shawn to quit cigarettes.

LATEST UPDATE: DECEMBER 2011After learning to distinguish good crowds from bad ones, Shawn now surrounds himself with people who do not influence him to smoke, drink, or fight. Shawn has not smoked pot or been involved in any drug use for over a year. He still struggles with fighting, but is making the effort to stop by releasing his anger through weightlifting.

Shawn recently purchased a gym membership. According to his mother, weightlifting daily has tired Shawn out, and his temper has greatly improved because of it. Shawn recently submitted an application to work at the gym and is waiting to hear back.

Shawn wants to graduate high school and attend college to be a correctional officer, and eventually transfer to become a state trooper. Shawn is more focused in school, and his grades are gradually improving.