June 13th, 2003. My high school graduation day, along with
approximately 525 Live Oak High School seniors and 420 Gilroy High
School seniors. That is nearly a thousand 17 and 18 year olds
facing a bright and shining future that lies just ahead. It could
be college, a new job, the military or an incredible trip. Either
way, every one of us is headed in a new and exciting direction;
where it will take us is yet to be seen.
June 13th, 2003. My high school graduation day, along with approximately 525 Live Oak High School seniors and 420 Gilroy High School seniors. That is nearly a thousand 17 and 18 year olds facing a bright and shining future that lies just ahead.
It could be college, a new job, the military or an incredible trip. Either way, every one of us is headed in a new and exciting direction; where it will take us is yet to be seen.
Teachers, administrators, families and friends will help us celebrate the completion of years of academic and social growth. High school graduation is a teenage rite of passage. I think every senior out there feels the same combination of euphoria and relief that I feel as graduation day approaches. Finals are over. We will stand together one last time as we hear our names called to receive our diplomas. We will all breath a collective sigh as we leave the field for the last time after the ceremony has ended.
Anticipation, sadness, excitement, nostalgia. Feelings of pride for what was accomplished; regret for what was not. This is one day that we’ll never forget. Sadly, in the past, many teens have been robbed of the chance to begin their lives as adults because their lives ended on graduation night. Research shows that young drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in alcohol-related traffic accidents. In 2000, 30 percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 killed in car accidents had been drinking.
The most recent data shows that automobile accidents are the leading cause of death in the 15 to 20 age group. These numbers rise significantly at graduation time, primarily due to drug and alcohol related incidents. A study by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 2000 found that approximately 60 percent of teen graduation weekend fatalities were alcohol-related. This is twice the overall yearly statistic.
Safe and sober graduation celebrations are being organized throughout the country. Morgan Hill and Gilroy both provide amazing Grad Night parties for graduating seniors. Years of planning and labor go into the creation of an unforgettable night that is drug and alcohol free. Grad Night celebrations are created by parents and faculties in the hope that no family will be awakened in the night by tragic news. Safe and sober parties are one answer. Teens don’t have to drink to have fun. And lots of teens don’t drink.
But for teens who do drink, the big message here is: Don’t drink and drive. It sounds simple, but it isn’t. Grad Night parties are the popular choice on the night of graduation. But parties are happening for several weeks before and after graduation. And drinking happens at many of them.
Drunk driving is more prevalent among teens at graduation time because of that feeling of euphoria that I spoke of. Teachers call it “senioritis.” Our thoughts turn to the beach and parties and boys and girls. I have noticed that guys are all just cuter right now. We lose our ability to prioritize, and we tend to make irresponsible decisions. We are facing adulthood, which is scary and uncertain, but right now we feel invincible. The sad fact is, we aren’t.
Teens who plan to drink need to make driving arrangements before they begin to drink. Once you begin to drink, your judgment becomes foggy and your control is impaired. The teen who would never drive after drinking may lose the ability to make that decision. And the wrong decision can easily result in long-lasting and catastrophic consequences.
Some parents have agreements with their kids: “I would prefer that you not drink, but if you do, call me for a ride, and there will be no punishment.” Mixed message, right? But the important thing is to keep drunk drivers off the road, so lots of parents are willing to compromise.
Lots of teens arrange for a designated driver to shoulder the responsibility of transporting kids to and from the party. The designated driver is at the party, but he’s the one with the Coke in his hand. He’s the one who keeps others from driving drunk. That designated driver needs to be the most popular guy or girl at the party. We should applaud him. He has to take his job seriously; lives depend upon it. If he decides to drink, he and the people who are depending on him are at risk. So he needs everyone’s support.
The fact is, we all have party plans. And there are some awesome choices for us. Hopefully, Grad Night will be the choice for most everyone. Whatever you choose to do, you can stay safe and still have an awesome time. And now, and throughout the summer, remember that the important thing is to stay safe. Don’t drink and drive.
