By Staff
Special to the Advance
More than 20 teenagers were killed or injured in alcohol related accidents in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in 2004, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. On big nights such as prom and graduation, teens are more likely to celebrate with a night of drinking – and sometimes end the night by driving home.
Northview High School took action to make sure their students were safe on graduation night, which was Saturday May 13th. For the 11th year in a row, Northview offered their graduating seniors a night to let loose – without being under the influence. Project Graduation is an all night alcohol and drug-free celebration provided for seniors on their graduation night. The Community Drug and Alcohol Council (CDAC) provides technical assistance to the Project Graduation planning committee.
Northview High School celebrated their Project Graduation at Corry Station where the seniors were entertained with bowling, swimming, a hypnotist show, and spending quality time with their school class. These parties offer a safe place for seniors to have a final festivity with friends while discovering a lifelong lesson – they can celebrate and have fun without getting drunk or high. "I'm happy because we don't have to drive around town tonight, and everyone's in the same place," says Katie Peterson, one of the graduating seniors participating in Project Graduation.
Northview High School's Project Graduation Coordinator, Mr. Welch, was happy with the turnout. 71 out of 99 graduating seniors came out to the celebration. "The whole school came together to make this event possible," Welch said.
Students and faculty participated in fundraising events to raise money. The students were very appreciative of the faculty's time and effort in putting this special night together. Travis Duncan, a graduating senior said "It's pretty nice of our administrators to come down here and spend time with us – It's keeping a lot of people out of trouble and allowing us to be together and safe."