(Information and photo from LPHS)
On prom night, 54% of high school students nationwide have four or more drinks, according to www.safesober.com. To help students understand the importance of their choices on prom night, LaPorte High School offered a pre-prom event in which more than 160 juniors and seniors participated. LaPorte’s Prom is May 16.
Students heard the story of Reggie Stephey, a high school football player who drove after a night of drinking. Today he is serving time in a Texas prison for the death of two teenage girls and the disfigurement of a third. His message is clear as Stephey states, “The prison sentence is nothing compared to the life sentence that I am going to have to live with knowing what I did and the consequences for what I did. The loss of lives — it didn’t have to happen.”
Following the pre-prom event, attendees received a $5 coupon discount on their prom ticket and a chance to win prizes donated by LaPorte County Drug Free Partnership, L&R Clothing Co., First Impressions, Thode Florist, Third Place Barber Shop, and Hesston Supper Club. Students had the opportunity to commit to a “safe and sober” prom by signing a pledge banner.
The event was sponsored by LaPorte High School’s Slicer Support Services, an on-site student resource center that offers information and counseling related to substance issues and other problems among teens.
In November, Mayor Blair Milo recognized LaPorte Community School Corporation’s Slicer Support Services efforts and other community entities for their work in substance education and prevention.
Slicer Support Services Counselor Christine Rosenbaum stressed the many problems underage drinking can lead to, such as expensive legal problems, an increased risk of using other drugs, and risky sexual behavior. “We want students to have a memorable night but understand the impact of their choices. With the support of parents and the community, we can help our Slicers have a safe and sober prom,” Rosenbaum said.