Teens Gear Up For A Safe Prom In Riverhead

Teens and educators are teaming up to make sure Thursday's Riverhead High School senior prom is a night  to remember -- and a safe event for all.

First off, a pre-prom photo op and reception has been organized by Riverhead High School, in partnership with Community Awareness Program, Inc. and the Peconic Bay Medical Center Health Foundation, for this Thursday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria and auditorium.

The event, for prom goers, family, and community members focuses on teens remaining safe, drug-and alcohol-free during the event.

The evening will begin with a reception in the cafeteria, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and includes smoothies, soft drinks and finger foods, as well as DJs from WBLI.

Next, the main event -- a “red carpet” walk across the stage, meant for photos.

Clean Slate Living will serve as master of ceremonies; next, students will get gift bags and board Hampton Jitney buses bound for their prom at the Watermill in Smithtown. They will return to the school by bus.
 
“The intent is simple,” RHS Principal Dave Wicks said. “We want our students to have a great time and realize that they can do it without alcohol. This is a message and a memory we want them to take with them through the summer and into the next stage of their life at college and throughout life in general.”

“The senior pre-prom photo-op and reception is our proactive response to address the issues of youth drinking, drug use, and driving behavior during the high risk social event of prom. It is our commitment to invest in the future of the youth in our community. By providing this platform we help keep them safe and give them an arena to create wonderful memories. We believe that as a community we can do more together,” Demetrios Kadenas, chief development officer, PBMC Health and Peconic Bay Medical Center, sponsor of the event, said.

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