Cranbury Township

As the summer approaches and school comes to a close, High School and College students look forward to graduation. This year I urge both graduates and their parents to take a serious look at graduation parties.

Every year we all hear of the tragedies surrounding drug and alcohol abuse at graduation parties. With a little common sense, graduates can enjoy this milestone in their life and their families can relax knowing their loved one is safe.

Parents/guardians can make sure their child is safe by following some of these suggestions:

1. Find out if the party is being supervised by an adult.

2. Talk to the adult and make sure alcohol and drugs will NOT be permitted.

3. Find out when the party will end.

4. Make sure your child has a way to contact you for a ride home in case of a problem at the party.

5. Get to know your child’s friends.

6. Make sure you discuss the pitfalls of peer pressure with your child.

Graduates can make the graduation experience one of the best times of their lives by following a few simple suggestions:

1. Don’t give into the, “go for it” mentality. Use your common sense.

2. Stay away from parties that have drugs and alcohol. People who are drunk or high do stupid things and usually end up dragging their friends into trouble.

3. Don’t let a friend drive drunk or high.

4. If you see trouble starting, leave the party and call your parents or guardian for a ride home.

5. Have a drug and alcohol free party at your home for your friends.

6. Don’t forget you have a future...Don’t ruin your life for one night of drinking or getting high.

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