Prom and graduation season is a magical time that high school seniors have been anxiously awaiting.

With just a few weeks to go, the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of the Family Guidance Center, wants to take the opportunity to help parents make sure that their teen enjoys the night in the way it is intended. 

Our society teaches youth that alcohol makes any celebration that much better, but this is a dangerous message.  The reality is that alcohol use by young people presents many potentially life-changing risks, especially during prom and graduation season.   

“A Prom to Remember” at Warren Hills Regional High School on May 19th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. will provide parents with an understanding of the physical, social, and legal ramifications of underage drinking.  A panel of experts will be present to provide parents with knowledge of the effects of alcohol use in youth, possible legal consequences for underage drinking, and how to keep teens safe during the season.  

In addition, the Warren Hills Regional High School’s Drama Club will perform an encore presentation of the “Empty Chair,” a play that highlights the difficulty and devastation of substance abuse.   

“Prom should be a ‘Night to Remember’ in the lives of our youth and all it takes is one bad decision to ruin that memory forever,” said Liz Montalvo of the Coalition.  “The Coalition is here to provide parents with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to make sure that these memories can be a highlight in their lives rather than a night of regret.” 

In the interest of making prom more memorable, door prizes will be available to all those who attend the “A Prom to Remember” event and complete a brief survey at the conclusion of the presentation.  Attendees will be eligible to enter a drawing to receive two free prom tickets, a free tuxedo rental from Frantoni’s, a free corsage and boutonniere, a free updo or hairstyle at Sensations Salon, one preferred parking space for graduation ceremony, a $50 Visa gift card, and “the pick of the parking lot,” (where an incoming senior gets to pick their parking spot for the ‘16-‘17 school year).  Winners will be notified by May 23rd. 

This free event is open to parents of juniors and seniors of Warren Hills Regional High School.