St. Thomas Deputy Chief Dwayne DeGraff took his message of “Unity in the Community” for Carnival to the Edith Williams Alternative School on Thursday, encouraging about 30 students to strive for greatness.

DeGraff cautioned the students about the consequences of bad behavior, especially during Carnival.

“Yeah, I know you got names for me, and names for all police,” he said. “I have my shirt tucked in and my clothes are clean and pressed. But guess what? I got a big check. What are you going to have?”

DeGraff urged students not to engage in anything that can escalate into a bigger problem.

“One word can start a conflict,” DeGraff said. “Hold on to that word and you will avoid problems. Try it my way, just once.”

The deputy chief has been concentrating on resolving problems before they start in order to insure a safe Carnival. He has visited several schools, including Calvary Baptist, Lockhart Elementary, Charlotte Amalie High School and Edith Williams.

He also appeared on dozens of local radio programs in March and April saturating the community with the message of unity, conflict resolution, safety during Carnival, and other messages.

DeGraff said that as a police officer and private citizen, he wants to see the territory crime free and the children to have a decent chance at good lives.

“There is potential for greatness here,” DeGraff said, scanning the students.

“Turn it up a notch,” he urged them.