Southampton High School Stresses Dangers Of Drinking And Driving

Heading into prom and graduation season, the Southampton School District recently brought in a law enforcement official to tell the students about the legal ramifications of drinking and driving, ranging from violations and misdemeanors up through possible felony charges.

To make sure the message by Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Brosco was drilled home, the district made attending the presentation mandatory—students who skipped the presentation were banned from attending the senior banquet, class trip, prom or graduation.

“We talked about our code of conduct and how anytime anything happens in terms of an accident where drugs or alcohol were involved can impact a student’s ability to attend the next event,” High School Principal Dr. Brian Zahn said last week. “I spent a lot of time just speaking with the kids, and I wanted them to know that this was not just about us sharing rules and being pains in the neck to reduce their fun. It is about their safety. It would be upsetting and horrific to have a tragedy overshadow such a great ending to the school year.”

As part of the anti-drinking presentation, students heard from Ms. Brosco about legal consequences, but also about the family members of accident victims who had died and how it affected their lives. They also watched videos about accidents.

“It just brings the issue to people’s attention,” senior Natalie Palumbo, 18, said. “Someone might not have thought to look out for their friends at a party to see if they are drinking and planning to drive home. But after seeing this, it is on everyone’s minds.”

Fellow senior Matthew Morgani, 17, agreed: “In my opinion, if it stops even one person from drinking and driving then I think it is definitely worth it.”