A legitimate concern facing parents today—and all residents, for that matter—is the issue of teen drinking and driving. High school graduation parties, beginning this week, and the onset of summer vacation will only exacerbate the problem.
With the community still reeling from the tragic alcohol-related car accident of last November, that resulted in the death of Eric Quesada and the severe injuries suffered by Kellin Dunne, parents need to be ever vigilant as they oversee the celebratory parties of the graduation season and the summer parties that likely will follow in the coming months.
To that end, parent volunteers have worked long and hard to produce the annual Grad Night for graduating seniors on June 13 on the high school campus. The event provides graduates with a "safe, sane and sober" way to celebrate the day.
The high school will hold graduation ceremonies on Friday at 6 p.m. (residents should be aware that the portion of Main Street in front of the school will be closed to through traffic during the event) and the all-night party will run from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.
Parent organizers are asking "for the patience and support of our neighboring community" so that graduates can celebrate this "once-in-a-lifetime event." And it's also important that those celebrants do so in a alcohol- and drug-free environment.
Grad Night provides that, but while it is an all-night affair on the school campus, it's an event that cannot be put together overnight. Dedicated parents have worked for more than nine months—more than 6,000 volunteer hours—to put on this party for their sons and daughters.
Parents invite the public to see the fruits of their labor with a special Grad Night preview on Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Volunteers will host a community walk-through to share the scene they have provided with their hard work and creativity.
The community at-large is welcome to stop by and see just one of the things parents in town are doing to provide a safe, fun atmosphere to protect their children—and in turn, protect the community.
Keep program 'Alive'
On the same theme, the "Alive ... and Loving Life" program, formed in the aftermath of the fatal accident last year, continues to make strides in its efforts to increase safety and support for Los Gatos teenagers.
The group held its last meeting on the school year on June 3 and picked Nov. 1 for its next community workshop. The first such workshop, held last spring, focused on the concerns of and safety issues facing teens.
It's encouraging to see such a grassroots effort begin, and even more important to see it continue and grow stronger. But, like anything else, it takes money to be successful, and the group is now writing grants and looking for contributions in hopes of developing programs that will make a difference for teens.
Learn more about "Alive ... and Loving Life" by visiting www.lghs.net/aliveandloving. Check it out, then help or donate—and be part of the solution.
