When communities get together for a worthy cause, good things happen. As we approach spring and the ending of another school year, plans are being made for school proms, spring break and graduation. Spring break seems to send a message to our young people that it’s the beginning of party time. Beach parties are planned with lots of booze and, yes, illegal drugs.

A few years ago, a group of concerned parents, with the cooperation of the school administrations, got together and planned a safe alternative for celebrating prom night. The after-prom parties (Promania), are a good example of positive results happening when communities come together.

As in the past, students plan the prom and choose the location and the music. After the prom, normally around 11 p.m., the students who choose to attend the after-prom parties have 30 minutes to report to their schools for food, fun and games. Once they arrive, they must remain at the alcohol-free function usually until 5 or 6 a.m.

Of course, not all students choose to attend. Many feel that to attend would deprive them of the liberty of expressing themselves.

To those who are undecided about what to do this year, I suggest you talk to students who have attended in the past. Those I have talked to say it’s a lot of clean fun with opportunities to win some expensive prizes donated by local businesses and friends of the school.

I don’t know who gets the credit for starting these parties, but I say thanks for putting the safety of our children first.

To the students who have an opportunity to attend, I say go for it. Your high school years are some of the most exciting and can be fun with many pleasant lifelong memories.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.