Holly Springs post-prom party encourages sobriety

In 2010, researchers found that nearly 90 percent of teens thought their peers were more likely to drink and drive on prom night. Last year, a new study found underage drinking had declined, but also revealed increased pressure on teens for risky behavior.

“Prom is a night where students are more likely to go out and drink and party because it’s so hyped up by movies and television shows,” said Holly Springs High School student Sara Sharpe.

Despite what teens may see on TV, prom night and poor decisions are two things that don’t mix.

“We think that as teenagers, we are invincible a lot of the time and we’re not,” said Sharpe.

Risky peer pressure often comes with the big event and the activities surrounding it, but student council members at Holly Springs High School wanted another option. They came up with a safe and sober post-prom party at school.

“We’re just going to have revolving activities all night long. Bouncy houses, games like board games,” explained Sharpe.

The activities will spread across the school’s library, two gyms, cafeteria and dance room.

School officials said the positive party option will lead to positive decision making. They still plan to be prepared, bringing in extra staff and parent support to make sure that students aren’t misbehaving on school property.

“The Holy Springs Police Department has committed early on to be supporters of this and help us with the event,” said Principal Brian Pitman.

No matter how many people participate, students said the most important goal is creating a new trend for their classmates.

“You don’t have to party. You don’t have to drink,” said student Merritt Rowe. “We want them to know that it’s more fun to be sober.”

The after prom party will start at 12:30 a.m., and school officials are still deciding about whether to end the event at 3 a.m. or 6 a.m.