The FRESH Coalition and the Franklin County Family YMCA partnered to host an After Prom event on April 29th from 11:30pm to 3am. This is the second year the event was offered to Junior and Senior students and their prom dates. The event is designed as a fun, safe and drug/alcohol free alternative for students to attend after they leave prom.
“We were excited to host the event again this year. It’s important for kids to have a safe and fun place to go and enjoy themselves after prom. It’s a special time in the lives of youth and we are so happy to be a part of it,” says Jamie Stump, Child Care Coordinator with the YMCA.
Nationally, statistics show that a third of alcohol related traffic accidents for teens happen during “peak prom season” which is from April to June. Parents need to be aware of the increased risk of parties with underage drinking and the potential dangers that come with these parties. Parents should take positive measures to help ensure that these special times are safe and drug free for their teens. Parents should also be aware that providing alcohol to minors is against the law and allowing underage alcohol consumption on their property is dangerous and illegal, especially for youth. Binge drinking, consuming 4-5 drinks within two hours, is especially common during times of celebration and is extremely risky for teenagers whose brains are still developing. In a recent survey of high school students by AAA, 44% said that it was likely they or their friends would consume alcohol or drugs on prom night. The FRESH Prevention Coalition is hosting this event as a safe opportunity for youth to have fun and celebrate without the need or pressure to include alcohol or other substances.
“We want teens to feel like they have options for celebrating this exciting time in their life. It’s great when they realize they can hang out without the need for using alcohol as a crutch to have fun, “ stated Regina Clark, coordinator of the FRESH Coalition.
FRESH also partnered with the Office of the Sheriff to promote students committing to a safe prom season by signing a “Prom Promise” stating they will commit to being drug and alcohol free during prom. “A Prom Promise is a great way to promote and commit to a safe prom night for students and it’s a promise they’re making to their friends, family, school, and community. We care about our kids and want them to be safe,” commented Officer Joe Wooldridge, Student Resource Officer at Franklin County High School. Students who participated in the prom promise and attended the After Prom Party were entered for a chance a cash prize.
This year’s event had a live DJ, numerous door prizes including a chance to win a free car, inflatables, donated refreshments from McDonald’s and the Y’s swimming pool will be open. The event is free to all Junior and Senior students and their dates. Doors will be locked at 12:30am so students wishing to attend must arrive before then.
