On Patrol

That exciting time is here again; it’s high school prom and graduation. Do you remember those days? I sure do. But let’s be real, sometimes you find yourself in a situation you may not want to be in. As Naselle High School and Wahkiakum High School have their proms and graduations in the next couple of weeks and months, be sure to do the right and safe thing. Parents, please talk to your students and know their plans, time frames, who they are with, where they are going, and speak openly and candidly about drinking. Young people need to hear you; they will listen and remember what you say. Offer them solutions to avoid alcohol. After all, they are our future and we don’t want them hurt, in trouble or worse. Parents and guardians have the single biggest impact on their kids.

More than one-third of youth under the age of 21 killed in alcohol-related fatalities in the past several years died during the months of April, May and June - prom and graduation season - according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Wahkiakum Community Network is a partnership of students from Wahkiakum and Naselle High Schools and our community citizens and professionals. The WCN offers information to help parents understand the issues surrounding underage drinking and other related topics. Please check out the website at http://www.wahkiakumcommunitynetwork.org.

So, let’s band together and give our youth the freedom to have fun and make the right choices in this very important time in their lives, but also let’s educate, support and show them the concern they deserve.