Gilroy
– A high school student, dressed in a freshly-pressed tuxedo
offers his hand to a teenager in a sleek black dress exiting a
limousine. She steps out, a bit shaky on her new pair of heels, and
leaning on her date’s arm makes her way up to the door of her
senior prom. Then both lean over and blow in
to a breathalyzer.
Gilroy – A high school student, dressed in a freshly-pressed tuxedo offers his hand to a teenager in a sleek black dress exiting a limousine. She steps out, a bit shaky on her new pair of heels, and leaning on her date’s arm makes her way up to the door of her senior prom. Then both lean over and blow into a breathalyzer.
It might not be a scenario that most people remember from their high school days, but Gilroy High School seniors will have alcohol screening devices in their prom memories. All attendees at the May 19 event at the Decathlon Club in the city of Santa Clara are subject to random testing and – if they are found to have consumed any alcohol – can be turned over to the Gilroy or Santa Clara police departments.
“It’s our party,” said Jack Daley, athletic director and part of the crew preparing the prom. “If you want to come to the party, this is what’s involved in coming to the party.”
The district began hiring security officers with breathalyzers last year at no additional cost, said principal James Maxwell. Officers and high school administrators checked students at regular intervals, such as every fifth student, and tested students that appeared to be intoxicated.
Last year, the high school denied entry to one man because of the testing. The man – whose parents were called to take him home – was not a Gilroy High School student, but a date. This was a typical case, said Maxwell.
“It’s often not your student who’s inebriated and out of control,” he said.
In addition to being denied entry, intoxicated students can be charged with underage drinking – a misdemeanor. Conviction can lead to a $250 fine and 24 to 32 hours of community service. Gilroy High School students also can be suspended and prevented from participating in graduation ceremonies.
Some students applaud the high school’s effort to keep students safe.
“I don’t think that anybody who’s been drinking should be admitted to the prom anyway,” said senior Ashley Lenovius.
Other students thought the policy showed a lack of respect to students.
“They don’t trust us enough,” said senior Chris Krough.
Concerns about students driving drunk are misplaced, he said.
“Everybody’s taking limos and buses anyway,” he said. “Nobody’s going to drive.”
The school should not be worrying about students drinking before prom, but after the event, said senior Sebastian Muro.
Recognizing this problem, the high school held an assembly last week to discourage underage drinking. The student services office also has signs posted explaining the consequences of drunken driving.
However, the high school can only do so much to discourage students from drinking, said Daley.
“They’re going to do what they’re going to do when the prom is over and hopefully they’re going to make some smart choices.”
