Prom promise

Students grab silly props and take selfies to commemorate their “prom promise.”

“I want to have an absolutely great time at my Prom and remember it forever. I pledge not to use alcohol or other drugs on Prom night because I care about my friends, my family and myself. By signing below, I pledge to remain free from alcohol and other drugs, never drive under the influence or ride with an impaired driver; and I agree that I will always wear a seatbelt. I pledge not to text and drive.”

This is a portion of the “Prom Promise” Tharptown junior and seniors signed Friday at the first-ever Prom Breakfast, a new program hosted by THS SADD and FCA clubs. In addition to providing breakfast, the clubs invited students to hear an inspirational message from Brian Early, who has spoken to the students before.

“Prom, in their minds, is this one night, and they have to make the most of it,” he said. “When that happens, bad choices can come along with that.”

Early shared poignant thoughts with the students, particularly about a personal experience – a friend of his tried cocaine on prom night, and it was the night he lost his life. “Decisions you can’t take back will be made on this night,” Early said.

Students listened intently as Early implored them to make wise choices on prom night.

“They really like Brian, so they were excited to hear him speak again,” said FCA sponsor Tracey Fretwell.

“We have wonderful students, but, you know, a huge percentage of alcohol-related accidents occur during the months of prom and graduation,” added SADD sponsor Ronni Bailey. “This was just an opportunity to tell our kids that we want them to make good choices and not let one night of excitement ruin the rest of their lives.”

Students agreed that Early’s message impacted them.

“In the past we just came to school, checked out and got ready for prom. Now we have something to look back on … We can obey it, and I think it will help the kids who do this kind of stuff,” said Ashlyn Vandiver, FCA president.