The wisdom of Independence students for the Shepard prom

If you do nothing else today, watch this video.

As Independence Junior High School students wrote and designed the cards that will appear on the tables at the Shepard High School prom, we asked sixth graders their thoughts on making wise choices.

Some talked about advice they would give an older brother, sister, or cousin. Others offered wisdom on dealing with peer pressure.

Listening to these children talk -- they say the same things every parent will say to their sons and daughters tomorrow before they leave for prom -- casts the issues in a different light.

Our sincere thanks to Independence Principal Dr. Paul McDermott and art teacher Mike Maholland for again partnering with us on this project.

For three years now, Independence students have written and designed prom cards for Shepard. The cards ask high school students to make healthy decisions, avoid risk, and return home safely.  This is the first time we've produced a video with the voices of the card designers.

Shepard will host its prom tomorrow night at Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier.

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