Stay safe, stay sober,
Making memories on one special night of the year shouldn’t end with mangled vehicles and young lives cut short.
With guidance and support, one of the biggest nights of their young lives, their high school prom, won’t be the last night.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly one-third of youth under 21 killed in traffic crashes died in alcohol-related crashes during April, May and June, which is prom and graduation season.
While members of the Warren County High School graduating class are busy picking out gowns and tuxedos in preparation for the big day, members of the Aspire Team/ Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) want to keep prom 2008 alcohol and drug free from beginning to end.
This month, team members will be encouraging students to sign a ‘Prom Promise’ pledging their word to not use alcohol or drugs, especially during prom weekend.
‘We want them to have fun and make plenty of memories, but be safe,’ said Lynn Seals, who sponsors both Aspire and SADD with Kathy Ewton.
The Promise:
‘I will make a difference. I refuse to be a statistic. I want my prom to be a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life ‘ surrounded by my friends and full of music and lights and fun. I do not want anything to get in the way of those memories. I pledge to party hard and to party sober and to encourage my friends to do the same. I will not ride in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Because I am a friend, I want you to make the same pledge. I signed it. I mean it. I’m keeping it.’
Tips for Parents:
‘ Set down rules against alcohol and drug use
‘ Be clear about what you expect, and be firm
‘ Ask where they are going and with whom
‘ Schedule check-in times by phone
‘ Supervise graduation parties
‘ Make sure teens understand the law
It is against the law for anyone under 21 to use or possess alcohol. It is against the law for anyone over the age of 21 to provide alcohol to anyone under 21.
Despite the law, some parents choose to offer alcohol to their children and sometimes, to their friends. Although the reasons given by these parents may differ, allowing teens to drink alcohol is illegal.
Don’t assume all parents have strict rules against underage drinking. Before allowing a teen to attend any party, make sure the supervising adults share your same values and expectations for the party. When in doubt, check by phone or drive over to make sure a responsible parent is supervising.