One of the highest risk nights for a teen is graduation. Teens attend parties throughout the year, but peer pressure is highest when there is an event this momentous to celebrate.

Many students feel as if they haven't really celebrated if they haven't been drinking or using other drugs. Unfortunately, some parents condone drinking parties rationalizing that since the students are going to drink anyway, why not provide them a place, take their keys, and watch over them? Unfortunately, the role models our students have-TV, movies, newspapers, magazines, and we, as parents and community members- all seem to send the same message: alcohol and/or other drugs are needed to celebrate an important occasion.

 It is NOT enough to tell our students to “Just say, 'No!’" We must give them an alternative to which they can and will say, "Yes!" Planning an alcohol/drug­-free celebration for this night in our teens' lives is important. Why? Because we love them and they’re worth it! Here is a chance to give your teens a wonderful memory, keep them alive, build a tradition, and provide an alternative to which they can and will say, “YES!”

 EVERYONE BENEFITS!

STUDENTS

• Because the celebration is alcohol-free and drug-free, no one is under pressure to drink or use drugs.
• The cost to attend is minimal or free, thanks to generous donations from parents and businesses.
• At our celebration, everyone goes home with a prize or favor.
• Students will look back on this celebration as a very special night to remember.
• There's no pressure to have a date.
• Students experience a great time celebrating without the use of alcohol or other drugs.
• A tradition is continued which works as a positive force to combat chemical use and driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

GRADUATING SENIORS

• EVERY graduate has a celebration to attend on graduation night.
• All graduates are together to celebrate as a class, perhaps for the last time.

 PARENTS

• Parents know their children will not be using alcohol or drugs at this event.
• Parents know their children will not be driving drunk or drugged, riding as passengers with a drunk or drugged driver, or be on the road where an accident might occur.

• Parents know where their children are and that they are supervised.
• Parents make friends with other parents.
• Parents may think of ways to provide other alcohol drug-free social activities for youth.

     COMMUNITY

• Celebration is a positive, extremely fun event for both the graduates and the volunteers…just ask one! 
• The “children” of our community celebrate their graduation safely.