About a year and one half ago, in Deerfield Illinois, two high school students died in a horrific car crash, that involved the use of alcohol at a homecoming related party. In response to this tragedy, an organization Proud (Stevenson Community People Rallying to Oppose Underage Drinking) was organized by Marilee Muirhead, Stevenson Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator with the help from Kim Zambole and and Ron Jakubisin from the Lake County Health Department Underage Drinking Task Force, Marilee, and most of the board members listed on the bottom of this post
Proud is currently comprised of a group of parents, community members, students and Stevenson High School staff and is dedicated to educating parents and students to deal with peer pressure as it relates to underage drinking. The mission of Proud is to educate and empower parents, students and the community to prevent underage drinking and to promote safety and well being for everyone.
As much as parents may not like to think about it, the truth is that many kids and teens try alcohol during their high school and college years, long before it is legal for them to drink it. Some research has shown that nearly 80% of high school kids have tried alcohol. Although experimentation with alcohol may be common among kids, as we all know it's not safe or legal. To help prevent alcohol abuse in children, it's a good idea to begin discussing alcohol use and abuse with kids at an early age
The first project organized by Proud was the organization and distribution of 4500 folders regarding peer pressure and alcohol. The information was designed to suggest the community take a harder stance on opposing underage drinking by reminding the parents and their children of the health risks, the brain involvement, and the legal issues of allowing, encouraging, or ignoring underage drinking The handouts were distributed to all Stevenson High School parents during the school's open house,in advance of the Homecoming Dance last September. .
Currently Proud is organizing parent coffees for parents of junior high and high school students to help parents learn effective methods to prevent underage drinking. It was discussed that if parents are too permissive, and allow drinking in their home, they can be liable whether they are at home supervising the party, or if they don't even know about it.
The parents who attended the coffee I attended last week discussed what t it takes to reduce the percentage of the students who drink by the time they reach their Junior and Senior Year. It is Proud's beliefs if the community educate s 6th , 7th and 8th graders and their parents at an early age, there will be a greater chance that there will be less drinking in the community when these younger students reach their Junior or Senior Year. We also discussed that parents need to lead by example. If you are at a celebration with your children,and had a few drinks, it may be prudent to give the keys to another driver. Although you may still be able to drive, your children may not understand the difference.
Methods High school students bring alcohol in a home were also discussed. Whether a teen brings alcohol in a home hidden in their jacket, a water bottle ,hides it inthe home's ceiling tiles, or through a basement window, parents need to be aware of these schemes in order to maintain an alcoholic-free gathering.
The organization Proud feels that if they can connect to a certain number of parents, these parents appeal to their friends who appeal to their friends, etc, te community can take a harder stance on this very important issue.
The officers of Proud as follows
Co-Chairs: Marilee Muirhead, Stevenson Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator
Debbie Gross, LCSW/Parent
Secretary: Deborah Lancaster, LCSW/Parent
Treasurer: Shar Tiagonce, Stevenson Staff (Security)/Parent
Media: Joe Mancino, Advertising/Parent
Debbie Hersh, Vernon Area Library/Parent
Youth: Emma Trevor, Student
If you would like more information about Proud, please do not hesitate to email Marilee Muirhead or Debbie Gross@ PROUD2008@aol.com. Students can join PROUD and find more information out about it by logging into the facebook group STEVENSON COMMUNITY PROUD.
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