Graduation days are behind us now, and county residents,
especially proud and nervous parents, can breathe a sigh of relief
that the Class of 2005 made it through the festivities without a
single DUI or, God forbid, serious alcohol-related accident. We
have not always been so lucky.
Graduation days are behind us now, and county residents, especially proud and nervous parents, can breathe a sigh of relief that the Class of 2005 made it through the festivities without a single DUI or, God forbid, serious alcohol-related accident. We have not always been so lucky.
On that note, we take the opportunity to applaud the organizers of San Benito High School’s Safe and Sober Grad Night Party for their efforts to provide students an alcohol-free environment in which to celebrate their achievement.
At the same time, it must be noted that organizers had predicted a doubling of the attendance this year over last, to some 300 students. Regrettably, there was no appreciable increase. There are many possible reasons for this, including that student attendees were required to take a breathalyzer test which effectively kept out – and potentially on the roads – students who did drink.
But the reasons for the lack of greater participation are less important than finding ways in the future not only to provide a safe environment for students who don’t wish to drink, but also to keep students safe who make the unfortunate decision to use alcohol that night. Like alcoholism itself, recognizing the reality that some students will drink is the first step to addressing the problem. Those students should not be overlooked or marginalized.
All possible efforts should be made in advance of next year’s event to find a way to assist such students and keep them safe without encouraging alcohol consumption.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the Safe and Sober formula needs to change. In this effort there may be an important role to play for organizations such as SADD – Students Against Destructive Decisions – formerly known as Students Against Drunk Driving.
Curiously, according to the SADD.ORG Web site, there is no SADD chapter in California.
We think that should change, and see no reason why it should not start right here in San Benito County.
To contact SADD’s national headquarters, call or write: SADD National, Box 800 Marlborough, MA 01752 or call
1-877-SADD-INC.
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