Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 22, 1991 TAG: 9104220068
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LESLIE TAYLOR STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
In the past four years, though, school-sponsored activities that give students a structured but fun place to go blow off post-prom and post-graduation steam have helped to at least limit substance abuse by young people.
So much so that "in the last four years, we have not had any type of serious accidents involving any prom students," said Barney Arthur, a special agent with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department.
Arthur is a member of the Roanoke Valley Committee for the Post Prom/Post Graduation Alcohol-Free Party Challenge, a group that will usher in the prom and graduation season next week with an event emphasizing the need to provide alcohol- and drug-free environments for young people.
The committee, headed by Roanoke County Sheriff Mike Kavanaugh, consists of representatives from area school systems, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, health organizations, the media and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The committee is hosting a daylong kickoff April 29 that features three speaking engagements by U.S. Surgeon General Antonia C. Novello.
Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop's "big push was tobacco, but Dr. Novello's main emphasis is on alcohol abuse by young people," Arthur said.
Novello has been devoted to increasing community efforts to discourage youth from drug and alcohol abuse. She has encouraged youth to live by the slogan "Be Smart, Stay Smart, Don't Start."
"What we're trying to do is re-emphasize our young people not being involved with alcohol during the prom season and graduation," Kavanaugh said. "This is usually the tragic season of the year for high school students."
Efforts in the Roanoke Valley to protect young people during prom season began 10 years ago with the valley chapter of Virginians Opposing Drunk Driving hand-carrying fliers to area high schools, formal-wear shops and florists, Kavanaugh said.
"Things have evolved," he said. "We're hoping the surgeon general's appearance will give recognition to the Roanoke Valley trying to make sure people have safe proms and safe graduations."
Novello's visit will begin with an assembly at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke County. Her remarks at that assembly will be broadcast nationwide through a satellite link.
At a noon luncheon at the Salem Civic Center, she will present awards to several area schools for their post-prom and post-graduation activities and recognize businesses and individuals for their efforts in preventing substance abuse.
Later that afternoon, Novello will meet with members of the medical community and substance abuse treatment personnel at the Children's Medical Center at Community Hospital.
Post-prom parties in the Roanoke Valley began four years ago at Salem High School. This year, 13 area high schools will host post-prom parties.
The Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition has coordinated an after-prom grand finale for the last three years at Valley View Mall. In its first year, six area high schools participated, said Stuart Israel, executive director of TRUST-The Roanoke Valley Trouble Center. Last year, there were 19.
"This year, we have 29 schools," he said. "The school that's farthest away is in Galax."
Incentive to stay at school-sponsored, post-prom parties is offered to students in the way of prize drawings and giveaways as well as competitive games.
"We want to get the kids to go to school-sponsored, after-prom parties," Israel said. "Unfortunately, a lot of people hold their own private parties. We're sending letters out to motel and hotel owners asking them not to rent rooms for private parties."
The challenge is in getting young people to remain drug- and alcohol-free at proms and graduations, Israel said.
"It seems to be a common practice to get high and celebrate," he said. "This is one of the rituals of youth. We're trying to discourage that and show that you can have fun without drinking and drugging."
by CNB