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Police Bust Underage Drinking Party in Washington

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Police Bust Underage Drinking Party in Washington

By Denise Jackson

Story Published: Mar 24, 2008 at 5:30 PM CDT

Story Updated: Mar 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM CDT

For the second time in six months State Police bust an underage drinking party in Washington.

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Authorities arrested 17 people after they were tipped off about the party on their underage drinking hotline.

State Police went to this house in the 26–hundred block of Schuck Road in Washington around midnight Saturday morning.

Authorities say the parents were not home and the host of the party Scott McClellan ran from the scene.

State police say there were about 40 people at the underage drinking party.

When they gave Breathalyzer tests 17 people were given citations to appear in court.

"Hopefully we saved somebody's life at that party. They did not get behind the wheel. There were numerous cars in the driveway. Young kids, after they were leaving that party were gonna drive home or somewhere.
This is not something that we are gonna stop," said State Police Trooper Tony Halsey.

Halsey says they are still trying to determine who bought the alcohol.

Police found McClellan at a friend's home.
He appeared in Tazewell county court this afternoon, charged with escape, and bond was set at 15–hundred dollars. McClellan is scheduled to appear back in Tazewell County Court April 16th.

Police say he also had a warrant in Peoria County for violating a condition of a DUI he received last July.
He could also face additional charges in connection with the weekend party.

Those who received citations at this weekend's party are also from Washington, they are:
20-year old Robert Wall
19-year old Kevin Cioni
20-year old Ryan Pfeifer
20-year old Darryl Suttle
19-year Kyle Heavrin
20-year old Angela Myers
20-year old Samantha Barlow
18-year old Samantha Lynch
19-year old Zachary Charlton
18-year old Martina Gehrig
20-year old Evan Voyles
19-year old Stefanie Metka
19-year old Ashley Weston
20-year old Adam Fowler
20-year old Clayton Britell
20-year old Reid Miller

Last November State Police arrested several people at another underage drinking party in Washington.

View Oldest Comments First

Friday, Mar 28 at 5:25 PM EP Friend wrote ...

I also love how the police busting this college party even though it was larger then other parties made WEEK news BUT the students caught drinking in their hotels during th IHSA tournament didn't get this much attention...hmm lets focus on younger youth and try to prevent it at a younger age....maybe that would stop it later in life....

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:20 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Whats great about this new law...which allows for the suspension of the license of those who get busted for underage drinking is great...pretty much the state of illinois is saying "you can smoke marijuana and get a fine but if you drink at a party your license will get taken away" thank you Illinois Government!

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:21 PM Rediculous wrote ...

Terrible parents raising terrible children? You think because some 20 year old college students were drinking that means they are terrible people and that their parents did a terrible job of raising them? I'm sure that all of you have done a lot worse things than what those college students were doing that night. The only terrible people I see are all of you for condemning people that you have never meet or even talked to. From what I can see, your parents did a terrible job of raising you.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:59 PM Andrew T. wrote ...

This has gotten blown way out of proportion. You think they should have their licenses revoked even though they weren't driving? And you think they should be suspended from school? Thats a bit much. Mountains out of molehills.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:46 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I cannot believe the number of comments people are making. Teenagers and young adults have parties all the time...this one just happened to get busted. That's what college students do.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:33 PM washington parent wrote ...

Parents arent to blame in for this party. It is my understanding they werent home, and the kids were 18 and up. LEGAL age for adult is 18 so it is the kids that are to blame. I am not minimizing the fact that some of these parties kids drink and drive and I personally have had a friend that was a parent of one of the 15 tazewell teen that has died from alcohol/drug related deaths. I do have to give these kids credit for having sober drivers there but they did break the law they are under age.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:55 PM washington resident wrote ...

This is so NOT the parents fault. All the kids were over 18 which makes them adults weather they lived at home or not. I dont have a problem with the police doing there job, but it sounds like evryone that was drinking had a designated driver or was going to stay there that night. I had many weekend nights like that when i was 18-20 which im sure everyone has weather you admit it or not. That doesnt make them alcoholics either. shelli shouldnt resign and parents have to let go sometime.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 6:09 PM Filly wrote ...

"Another example of terrible parents raising terrible children." WOW! That's a broad brush you paint with! Hopefully you will never have to eat those words! Look, sometimes kids screw up, just as adults do. Frankly, if the worst thing that happens is that these kids learn a lesson, then so be it. If they felt mature enough to be drinking then they should surely be responsibe enough to own up to their mistake. I don't think there is any need to crucify the parents or the kids involved.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 3:48 PM Typical wrote ...

What else do expect? How about revoking all their licenses until they are 21 so they might actually LEARN something from this. Another example of terrible parents raising terrible children. Trust me, I went to HS in the past decade and I never did any of this and turned out perfectly normal and "cool." I hope they're all suspended from school too.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 3:13 PM Poster wrote ...

This bears repeating.. "Fact. The legal drinking age is 21. The cops had every right to bust this party. Not a single soul could have known if they were going to get behind the wheel or not. I work in an intensive care unit in Peoria and take care of drunk drivers and their victims. Be thankful that they only have a court appearance. Life could be much worse right now; these kids are safe. Great job to the cops for protecting innocent families on the road."

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 3:10 PM Casey wrote ...

Every quit talking about if one of those kids drove and killed a family member. I was a sober driver that night and I can vouge for the 30 (not 40) people that were there and no one was going to get behind the wheel if they drank. So everyone needs to quit making that claim. The cops were doing their job enforcing the law but there has been lack of attention in other areas and underage drinking is NOT the worse that goes on in Wash. I don't even drink and I'm still angry over the situation!

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 2:52 PM Andrew Twaddle wrote ...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this got blown out of proportion. Yes, they broke the law, but some of the comments make it sound like the people who were ticketed are some horrible disgrace to society. Also, why not leave your name? Show some backbone. Especially if you're going to insult people.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:08 AM Anonymous wrote ...

All of these people were over 18 which means they are an adult. At some point, parents have to let go and let their children make their own choices. These kids made their own choices and should pay the consequences HOWEVER it is not the parents fault and it shouldn't be blamed on them.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:03 AM Rational Thinker wrote ...

Some of you people out there need to get a life and worry about your own business. It must be shocking to all of you that college students drink occasionally. Yes, 20 year olds drink, as I am sure 99 percent of you did as well. This has nothing to do with parenting. Are parents supposed to follow their kids around 24 hours a day? At least these parents taught there kids responsibility, as there was a sober driver for every kid there. Maybe we should put a GPS tracker on every person under 21.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:44 AM washington resident wrote ...

I really like how people are saying Scott has a drinking problem. Yeah Im pretty sure he wasnt the only one drinking. Just because you drink on the weekends doesnt mean you area an alcoholic.Scott knows he made a mistake but everyone there did so as well so lay off him. His parents are 2 of the most amazing people you could meet. i guarentee the majority of these comments are from hypocrits who have taken part in underage drinking at some point in their lives

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 2:44 AM Anonymous wrote ...

So since a bunch of spoiled KIDS from Washington get busted the law should be changed and the police should just let it slide bc they were close to being 21. I know it is easy to blame Emelia for it but even if she wouldn't have been there you would have gotten caught. The police don't just leave bc you don't answer the door. Take consequences for your actions that is what being an adult is about.

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Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:52 AM Anonymous wrote ...

i think it is wrong on how they are jsut looking to pull young kids over and give them a hard time and i think it is wrong i also think it is wrong that thye busted them they wenrt doing anything wrong nobody left and if they did then the cops should of gotten them. And u are right they need to foucus ob all the crime taht is going on and not the young kids. Maybe washington police are finally going to get there heads on and maybe do a right thing

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

So what is going to happen when kids start prank calling this hotline and sending police to random houses where nothing is going on?

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:36 PM college student wrote ...

I am 20 also and I cannot even believe the ridiculous comments saying the cops should have been focusing their time elsewhere. It is illegal and they know they can get caught. Seriously, take some responsibility. This is a serious issue. I have had two family members die due to the IDIOTS that drink and drive. It makes me sick to think people think it is awful to get a little punishment to try to prevent the DEATH of people. Maybe they weren't driving at that moment but they could later.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:16 PM Mctav wrote ...

This is for the anonymous name that posted at 614 pm... he never got a third DUI, so why don't you just talk about things you actually know the truth about

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:49 PM One of many! wrote ...

Emelia, you left b/c your parents called you and the said you were going to be arrested which they can't do. Also like people have said no one was driving unless they had a sober driver! Young adults should be able to have parties and have fun as long as the parents will keep an eye on things. Whats wrong with that?

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:17 PM EP friend wrote ...

Okay number one every parent in here knows that at our age they were out having a good time and doing the same thing, granted it was legal back then we're still going to do the same thing...number two its not really the parents fault and even if those parents were home do you really think the kids who were caught couldnt find somewhere else to do this?? It's not like their house is the only place to do it, we're in college its supposed to be the time of our life....thank you for preventing that.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 7:49 PM WCHS wrote ...

I went to school with all these kids... so who ever says scotts a good kid you dont know him too well, i think his dui and lack of court appearance shows irresponcibility and that he may have a drinking problem.... the cops did there job, boo whoo they got caught get over it, funny that washington just had a meeting on underage drinking... it may have been busted but it wont stop them from doing they'll find another house... parents these are your kids, and your kids are doing it so do something

Flag for moderation

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 6:43 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I just wonder why only parties that get busted in Washington make the news. You cant tell me the same thing dosent happen in Peoria, Morton, or any other town for that matter...

Flag for moderation

Tuesday, Mar 25 at 6:14 PM anonymous wrote ...

I think he broke that trust after his THIRD DUI.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 3:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I find it really hard that this is getting so much attention. One party out of probably 100 got busted. Scott is a good kid who made a bad decision and will learn from this. Mike and Shelli are good people and good parents who trusted their son. There is a time and place when you have to trust you did the best with your kids and trust them. Scott broke that trust. The attacks on Mike and Shelli are totally uncalled for and way out of line. Like one comment said must be no other news??

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 2:22 PM kris l wrote ...

I cannot even believe this made the news.Must have been a boring day. This kid does what every other red blooded 20 year old kid does when their parents are out of town. He had a party. BIG DEAL.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 1:37 PM Kurt wrote ...

They broke the law and now have to deal with the consequences for their actions. I have had to deal with this myself, I did it and faced the music. Hopefully they all do and learn from this. To say the police should not enforce this law is ridiculous. I applaud the police for doing their job.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:53 PM Washington mom wrote ...

Good for the person who turned them in. It's so easy just to look the other way.Perhaps young McClellan could use some professional help with his drinking problem.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

As much as the hotline is supposed to help I'm afraid that it may just push underage drinking further underground. Kids know that one person upset that they aren't invited to the party may just call it in. It is going to become a very very secretive and unsafe thing.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:50 PM J3FINGERS wrote ...

i hope these kids (ADULTS)friends in iraq hold up a glass and give a toast knowing they are safe from tazewell county tyranny

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:42 PM grandma of 4 teenagers wrote ...

I feel the police are doing there job. How would you feel if one of those people had decided to leave the party and a member of your family was injured or killed by their reckless act

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:13 PM annoyed onlooker wrote ...

if the police were so concerned about whether or not these kids would be drinking and driving, then why didnt they just pull over anyone who left and do it that way. these kids werent hurting anyone by staying inside a house drinking

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:12 PM another washington parent wrote ...

everyone who is attacking shelli mcclellan for this party is being completely ridiculous. shelli and mike had no idea what their son would be doing while they were gone. they didnt plan for this to happen, they didnt hand him all the alcohol and say, 'hey, son, while were gone use our house to drink at.' shelli shouldnt have to resign from anything. their son was just being a normal kid that needed somewhere to have fun, because washington is good at not having many of those kinds of places

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:03 PM Anonymous wrote ...

It is hilarious that the cops said they saved a life that night. No one was driving home. They were either staying there or they had a sober driver. And they heard from the hotline? REALLY they pulled over a car that had left the party and went through their cell phones after issuing a citation to a person in the car. How's that not illegal???

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 11:47 AM Kyle wrote ...

Look, all kids make mistakes, its apart of the growing process, learning from mistakes. These kids aren't learning there lesson because they are not being pressured by parents to stop the inappropriate actions. Parents are not coming down hard enough and the kids continue to make the same mistakes, i don't care if there were sober kids there and i don't care if they were staying the night, there was a horrible lack in judgement. For the record, its bad apples that ruin it for the whole group

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 10:50 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I think it is funny that everyone seems to think that the police attack drinking parties. Did it ever occur to you that while the STATE police were doing this, the city police were out patrolling for those who are doing those brake-ins? It's a team effort people. If you were driving that night, you would appreciate the job that the police do a heck of a lot more. They are the reason that you are still safe in your homes tonight. Maybe try focusing on irresponsible parents?

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 10:28 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I've worked in rehab a long time. Alcohol is the most widely abused drug. Don't think just because your kid isn't doing Meth or something else that alcohol is OK. Lots of parents don't want to address their own issues with alcohol, so they laugh off their kid's problems. It's no joke to die from the disease of alcoholism. Nobody would, if they didn't take that first drink.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 9:32 AM Anonymous wrote ...

You can't only blame the parents. We're 19 and 20 years old. We started making our own decisions a long time ago. You people just want to make other parents look bad. Just wait til it's your kid... see how much responsibility you want to take then.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 9:11 AM Washington Grad wrote ...

Some of these comments amaze me. These "kids" are considered adults under the law, however the drinking age is 21 and until they hit that age they are out of luck. Next, the police were tipped off to this party, they weren't out looking to arrest a bunch of underage drinkers. So they were just doing their job by responding to a call. Finally, the McClellans are not the only parents to blame. I do believe more than one kid was ticketed that night so there are other parents responsible as well.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:37 AM 18 wrote ...

that's the legal age when everyone's an adult... so there...

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 8:26 AM Concerned Nurse wrote ...

Fact. The legal drinking age is 21. The cops had every right to bust this party. Not a single soul could have known if they were going to get behind the wheel or not. I work in an intensive care unit in Peoria and take care of drunk drivers and their victims. Be thankful that they only have a court appearance. Life could be much worse right now; these kids are safe. Great job to the cops for protecting innocent families on the road.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 6:19 AM Mctav wrote ...

Im glad the crack and meth heads get to go free because they can't pay their fines, so the police officers are just going to go after kids that can actually pay their fines... im glad the people that actually pay their taxes are the ones getting in trouble when the people that are a real burden to society are just roaming around free...

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 1:31 AM R wrote ...

In response to the scathing remarks from the people who believe that they know it all...you were also a teenager, at one point in time. Is it too hard to remember back that far? These kids were just doing what every adult has done at some point in their lives...acting like an idiot teenager. Don't scorn or condemn these kids who have futures and lives to look forward to. They were just having a good time and got caught this time. Oops, haven't we all been there!

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 1:06 AM washington parent wrote ...

The law states as long as the child is living at home and they are under 21 they are still the parents responsibility. Shelli McClellan should resign from the WCHS school board.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:39 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Although it doesnt make it okay or legal it makes me laugh how almost all of the 17 consumptions were given to 19 and 20 year olds who are so very close to the legal drinking age and how at this party there were more sober people then drunk people who were giving the drunk people a ride home and being responsible in that aspect.. im sure while the cops were busting this party there were much much things going on but hey.. you got your illegal consumptions for the month..

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:32 AM non washington resident wrote ...

I bet it was a reporter from WEEK sitting around doing nothing again and called the tip line. Why can't we focus on real crime here and spend our hard earned tax dollars toward something useful... like getting murders off the street.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:08 AM Emelia H. wrote ...

Its people's own fault for being there and even though I was there and left (with the door unlocked), I still am more responsible than them.

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Tuesday, Mar 25 at 12:05 AM anonymous wrote ...

washington cops are stupid and have nothing better to do in this town other than busting kids who have nothing better to do than what we do. and scotts parents shouldnt be held responsible for this. every teen would take the opportunity to have a party while their parents were on vacation

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Monday, Mar 24 at 11:42 PM The Truth wrote ...

First, ILLINOIS STATE POLICE handled this, not Washington, etc. They have a task force for drugs too.. Secondly, if one of these kids got behind the wheel and caused an accident that hurt or killed someone everyone would be complaining about why they weren't cracking down more on underage drinking. Get off your high horses, can't anyone be pleased? How many teens have been killed in Tazewell County in the past few years? At least they are being proactive!!!!!

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Monday, Mar 24 at 11:28 PM Sarah wrote ...

Bummer! haha

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:43 PM Jane wrote ...

I read an article in the paper about how there have been 29 cars that have been broken into or stolen in Washington since June. Maybe the police should concentrate their efforts into finding a suspect for these crimes or others like it. I guess by raiding these meaningless parties they are getting the violent criminals off the streets though. Or maybe they are just helping the violent criminals go free by focusing too much on the minor offenses that dont mean anything in the big picture.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:39 PM Washington Parent wrote ...

At what age do you start giving children responsiblity for themselves? You can not hold parents responsible forever.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:37 PM John wrote ...

Isn't it amazing how whenever a drinking party gets busted 20 squad cars have to show up to the scene. Someone should stage a party and then rob every bank in the county. No one would be able to stop them for at least 24 hours. And even if they were, the only skills they possess as officers is the ability to bust parties. Tax dollars well spent if you ask me.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:30 PM Dave wrote ...

During your story one of our "state's finest" said that he hoped that they saved a life that night. What he doesn't realize is no one was leaving the house that night or they had a responsible sober driver with them. Also, if they want to eliminate intoxicated 20 year olds from getting in their cars, maybe they should practice what they preach. One of these cops had a kid that was busted at the party move his car minutes after being given a ticket for drinking. Great work guys.

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Monday, Mar 24 at 10:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

in response to above comment just as proud as you would be if you knew half of the things your children did...... just because you or your children didn't get caught doing something wrong growing up doesn't mean you shouldn't have- it was wrong but we all make mistakes don't be so self-righeous someday the shoe may be on the other foot

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Monday, Mar 24 at 8:05 PM Washington Parent wrote ...

Is there a reason why the parents names were not mentioned? They are just as responsible as the kids even if they were not home. Shelli and Mike must be so proud.

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