This is the second year that all of the schools will sponsor post-prom events, said Mary Ellen Creasy, "Project Safe After-Prom" committee chairwoman for the PTA Council. She said that four years ago, only a handful of schools held events.
"The reason we do it is to keep the kids safe, ultimately," Creasy said. "Prevention information goes out throughout the year. We know that most juniors and seniors are going to celebrate in one way or another, whether it's a safe alternative or not."
Liberty Mutual, the auto insurance company, provided a wrecked car to display at each public high school the week before the proms to remind students not to drink and drive, according to the Police Department.
Of the 15 fatal crashes in the county last year, six were alcohol-related, according to police. In 2006, 19 collisions resulted in 22 deaths. Half of those were alcohol-related, and six of the involved drivers were younger than 21.
Police are also reminding parents and teens that possessing fake identification, lying about age to buy alcohol and possessing alcohol underage all carry $500 fines and a required court appearance. Driving under the influence and drinking while driving also carry $500 fines. A DUI conviction means losing a license for 60 days or more. Adults can also be charged and fined for providing alcohol to anyone younger than 21.
tyeesha.dixon@baltsun.com
prom dates
Here are the dates and locations of Howard County public school proms:
Atholton: May 10, Marriott Camden Yards
Centennial: Tomorrow, Scottish Rite Masonic Temple
Glenelg: Completed
Hammond: Tomorrow, Valley Mansion, Cockeysville
Howard: May 9, Turf Valley
Long Reach: May 16, Martin's West
Marriotts Ridge: May 16, Hyatt Regency, Baltimore
Mount Hebron: Completed
Oakland Mills: Tomorrow, National Aquarium
Reservoir: May 17, M&T Bank Stadium
River Hill: May 16, Radisson Plaza Hotel, Baltimore
Wilde Lake: May 16, Maryland Science Center
