More Example Encouragement for Prom

Hello, everyone. 

My name is Tyler and I would like to tell you why I will not be just another silent voice in the crowd. 

I invite you to join me in not drinking before, during, or after prom. It may seem that all anyone can talk about at this time of the year is where the good parties are and where the best place is to get “totally smashed.” But the truth is, a lot of people actually make the decision NOT to drink at prom, even if drinking seems to be the only way to be cool, fit in, keep up your street cred, or whatever. 

Honestly, why would you want to just blend in and be like everyone else Where’s the fun in that? If drinking at prom seems to be the thing that everybody’s doing, I encourage you to be yourself…because everyone else is already taken. 

The choice that you make on prom night is your own – not anyone else’s – so that means that you must deal with the consequences. 

Thank you and have a great prom.

The Vocal Majority is Getting Larger and Louder

Hi everyone,

I’m Kayla and I will not be drinking before, during, or after prom this year.

“People of character do the right thing even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world.”  As Christians, we are constantly told not to conform to the patterns of this world.  For those of you who are already planning on staying sober on prom night, I affirm you for taking such a bold step.  Contrary to former belief, those of you who made this decision are in fact a part of the majority, so don’t be discouraged just because the biggest parties are always the stories that sell.  On the very first day of Prom week, nearly forty students made the decision not to drink after prom, and therefore signed the PROMise contracts that Mr. Brandt has been advertising.  Not only does it make us accountable for our actions, but it also encourages others to follow the Example that is set simply by our signatures.  What a great way for us to witness to our classmates!  Whether you sign a contract or not, I hope you make a decision that will be pleasing in the eyes of your parents, teachers, and God on Prom night.

 Seniors, you’ve finally made it to your last LHN dance, and one of your final milestones in high school. Congratulations!

I hope you all have an amazing time at Prom tomorrow, and truly make the night a safe and memorable experience for all the right reasons.

Meet Some of the Vocal Majority

Example is doing everything it can to encourage other students not to drink or use drugs during prom this weekend.  Each day before chapel, several students face the entire student body and explain why they have decided to avoid drugs and alcohol during Prom weekend. The goal is to encourage students and help them realize that the majority does not drink or use just to have a good time.

These students are using their courage and their voices to create a vocal majority.

On Monday, Lauren shared these words with LHN: 

Hi, everyone.  My name is Lauren and I'm choosing not to drink at Prom.

I want to encourage you all to remember the love from God that we are shown daily.  In response to this love, we need to love others and follow His commands.  We can love others by looking out for our friends on Prom night and by not putting any of them in dangerous situations involving alcohol.

We can follow God's commands by not engaging in underage drinking that is harmful to our bodies, and to those around us.  We are blessed to be surrounded by teachers and peers that care about us and want us to succeed.  In order to succeed, we need to make God-pleasing decisions and encourage others to do the same.
So have fun at Prom and if you are put into a difficult situation, remember the love God has for you, trust that He knows what's best for you and make your decision based on His will.

On Tuesday, Nicole addressed the student body: 

My name is Nicole Ignasiak and I will not be drinking before, at or after prom this year.  I’m not going to stand up here and tell you guys why you shouldn’t drink.  Instead, I’m just going to tell you a few reasons why I’m not going to drink at prom.  As a senior, this is one of my last big events at North before graduation and I want to remember every part of it.  I don’t want to think of it as a great night just because I was drinking or just because others told me it was a good night. I really want to remember it.  I also don’t want to risk getting in trouble on such an important night. 

Trust me, cops know it’s prom season.  They’re not dumb. My track coach is a cop and he tells the team every year how busy he is this time of the year and all the different ways he can pull someone over if he suspects drinking. 

I also don’t want to risk harming myself or others. I don’t want to harm this body that God has entrusted me with.  I don’t want to purposely poison and damage it. I truly believe that I am a unique child of God full of potential washed in the blood of Christ and I don’t need to compromise that by drinking at prom.

Thank you

Example PROMise: 2015

Nearly forty students signed the Example PROMise
on the first day of Prom week.

A great way to encourage students not to drink or use drugs during Prom week is the Example PROMise.  Students going to prom sign the Example PROMise and they are placed in North's main hallway.
It's important students know they are not the only ones staying away from drugs and alcohol. A lot of students don't drink or use drugs. Example wants to make the quiet majority a vocal majority and this is one way to accomplish that goal. It also offers encouragement to students because they see that they are not the only ones holding these values.

Students signing the Example PROMise, promise to...

• Not drink or use other drugs during this Prom weekend
• Encourage friends to make the same God-pleasing decisions
• Realize the life-saving decisions to not drink or use drugs goes beyond Prom weekend
• Cherish all the blessings they have through Christ and respond to the unconditional and eternal love of their Savior by being an "Example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

Students can stop by Mr. Brandt's room all week to sign an Example PROMise and receive a free Example wristband.

Prom Week: Day 1

Each year during Prom week Example offers a lot of encouragement, examples and reasons why drinking and drugs do not need to be a part of Prom.
This morning, Lauren spoke to the entire student body and explained how she was going to have a great time at Prom without drugs or alcohol.

Former Boston Celtic and recovering addict shares his experiences and offers hope

"The reason those who stay home might feel like they’re missing out, he said, is because the ones who are making poor choices are more open to publicizing their behavior. The kids who are watching a movie with their parents on Friday night aren’t taking as many selfies documenting the experience, according to Herren.
'"Everybody else doesn’t do it,” he said of drug and alcohol use, “It’s just the kids that do blast it out and make people feel like they’re missing out."'

Read the rest of the article about Chris Herren's visit to Dana Hall School and the advice he offered. 

Prom is around the corner.  Help Example help others realize they can have a lot of fun at prom without alcohol and drugs.
Help make this year's prom, one that students can remember. Literally.