This Saturday, Dolores High School students will don fancy suits and beautiful dresses, all for one night that they should remember fondly for the rest of their lives.
The decision to give every attendee at this weekend's prom in Dolores a breath test for alcohol gives many a mixed reaction.
As a parent, the decision brings a sigh of relief.
Parents know all too well that car crashes are the leading cause of death among teens and underage drinking leads to many of those.
As an adult, it brings a sigh of relief. For we too, dressed up for prom. We remember how special the night is, but nearly every one of us remembers a friend or a classmate, way back when, that drank too much and was killed in a car accident, whether it was at prom or not.
This is an exciting time for teens. There is prom, there is graduation and the end of the school year is in sight. These things all bring cause for celebration. Dolores High School has took a firm stand and told students, do not celebrate with alcohol.
According to the organization Students Against Drunk Driving, Alcohol use remains extremely widespread among today's teenagers. Nearly three quarters of students (72 percent) have consumed alcohol (more than just a few sips) by the end of high school, and more than a third (37 percent) have done so by eighth grade.
However, the trend does seem to be declining.
But, the new breath-test requirement to get into prom also stirs up a different emotion.
An emotion that is difficult to describe.
This is a special night for our high school students and having to undergo a breath test is a bit of a violation, a violation of trust and respect.
This year's theme is "Neverland" and the high school gymnasium has already been transformed into something that looks like a fairy tale, having to undergo a breath test is hardly romantic.
But, it is a requirement to get in, so let's hope that all our high school students will be safe Saturday. Please have fun and prove that there was absolutely no need for the test.
