Students attending Prom can encourage each other by signing an Example PROMise that states they will not drink or use drugs this weekend. Our hope is that everyone can enjoy Prom without the foolishness and dangers drugs and alcohol create. The young men and women who choose not to drink or use drugs are not in the minority and Example is doing all it can to promote that message.
Each day before chapel a student addresses the student body and explains why she or he is choosing to not use drugs or alcohol at Prom. Example is also posting the students' PROMise contracts to let others know that plenty of people will enjoy Prom without drugs or alcohol.
Today, Tyler explained to the Lutheran North student body why he is going to have a great time without drugs and alcohol.
"This is the night we’ve all been waiting for. One of the best nights of our high school years – PROM! As Seniors, we’ve worked really hard to get to this point, and we’ve made some awesome memories along the way. We’ve got so much to look forward to, and our lives are just beginning. Every person here has the potential to make a profound impact on the world. So why not whoop it up and get drunk on Prom Night? You deserve it, right? Your perception is probably that everybody drinks on Prom Night because that’s the only way you can have fun. Maybe you think you need to drink to “fit in” or get other people’s approval.
Here are two words for you to remember on Prom Night - “No thanks”. That’s all you have to say. You don’t have to drink to have fun. Think of the times in your life when you’ve had the most fun, and I can guarantee that most, if not all of them don’t involve alcohol.
What’s the draw to getting drunk anyways? You get dizzy, feel sick, and lose your inhibitions – basically, you do dumb stuff because you don’t care and then don’t remember whatever you did! Your innards become your outtards, and you might even be lucky enough to wake up in a puddle of whatever you ate for dinner the night before - doesn’t that sound like some fun! It leads to you making poor choices, choices you would never make in your right mind.
I’m here to tell you that the reality is that most people DON’T drink on Prom Night. You only hear about those who do. And you don’t have to drink after Prom to be cool. Don’t look for others’ approval to make you feel better about yourself. Choose not to drink and be able to look at yourself in the mirror on Monday and be proud of what you see, not be the talk of how drunk you got and the stupid stuff you did.
My name is Tyler and I have made the decision to NOT drink on Prom Night. I hope you’ll join me!
