Letter: You can help support safe after-prom celebrations

Underage drinking and drug use is a concern in our community throughout the year, especially during April and May, when our teens will make celebration decisions on prom night. Parties often involve peer pressure to engage in underage drinking, drugs and thrill-seeking behavior. This combination can contribute to teens making bad decisions.

How our teens celebrate on prom night is affected by their options. All 12 Howard County high school PTAs are addressing the need for safe after-prom celebrations by providing a safe, fun option in an alcohol and drug-free setting with adult supervision. We invite you to support your local high school Project Safe After Prom in two ways:

• Don't plan a private after-prom party. If there is underage drinking at your teen's party, the consequences can be tragic and the liability costly to you as the parent. Encourage your student to attend the school PTA's after-prom event.

• Parents, community members and businesses can contribute donations to be used as door prizes, or money to help defray the costs of the facility rental, food and activities.

Your contribution helps provide a safe after-prom option for our teens, which ultimately benefits all of us.

Lin Guba

Columbia