High school graduation ceremonies are supposed to celebrate new beginnings - a time when young lives filled with potential are entering the adult world. Unfortunately, some graduates never make it through the first night, and that is a tragedy that schools and parents should work hard to prevent this year.
Graduation parties where alcohol is served are becoming disturbingly common, even expected, for many teens. Impaired judgment and foolish actions soon follow. For some, the night ends in injury or death as they attempt to operate a vehicle.Unfortunately, those who have their adult lives yet to live often feel they are invincible. While statistics on graduation-night deaths aren't available, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports about 2,500 teenage drivers are involved in fatal crashes each year. Auto accidents remain the leading cause of death among teenagers.
Other states have launched massive programs to promote safety on graduation night. In Michigan, Project Graduation promotes celebrations that are alcohol- and drug-free. Local convenience stores have joined to sponsor safe parties.
Last year, 19 states urged high school students to sign a "prom promise card" as a vow to stay sober on prom night. Nearly 1 million students signed. Elsewhere, a group known as Students Against Drunk Driving sponsors programs that encourage safety.
Some Utah schools are planning parties for graduation night. Others would do well to adopt programs similar to those in other states. However, programs alone can't equal the influence parents can have over their teenagers' behavior. Parents should talk frankly with their children about the dangers and consequences of bad behavior. They should insist that alcohol and drugs not be used and should be aware of their child's plans for graduation night.
Parents can do more than simply lecture. They can join with other parents and sponsor parties for the graduates. Always, they should let teens plan and organize the events.
Ultimately, however, the graduate is the one who must decide whether to let wisdom gain the upper hand on a night of celebration - whether to obey the whims of popular peers or the cautions of people who are older.
Most adults regret youthful indiscretions of one sort or another. Unfortunately, drunken driving is an indiscretion some never live to regret.