By Susan Bromley
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp.- As graduation approaches and a season of parties begins, school officials and concerned citizens are hoping to prevent tragedy amid joyous celebrations.
Parents and community members are invited to attend a town hall meeting to increase the understanding and awareness of underage drinking and its consequences, and to address the problem. The meeting is set for 7 p.m., May 22, at the Brandon High School media center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
‘We are being proactive,? said BHS Principal Michael Ferguson.
‘We have seen kids lose their ability to participate in athletics and clubs (because of underage drinking) and have had kids ticketed for minor in possession. We do a good job in preventing problems in the schools, but when they get outside the schools, we need a community effort. Especially with graduation parties coming up. This time of year there are lots of reasons to celebrate, but we want to help kids make good decisions.?
Ferguson said the town hall meeting will be an open discussion including school, local government, and law enforcement officials, as well as clergy members. They plan to brainstorm strategies to help kids make good choices.
‘If we can prevent at least one kid from making one bad decision, it’s worth it,? he said.