As spring blossoms and summer draws near, our students are eagerly anticipating a season of memorable milestones — especially prom. For many juniors and seniors, prom is something they’ve dreamed about for years — from choosing the perfect attire to capturing special photos and celebrating meaningful moments with friends. However, in the midst of this excitement, it’s crucial to keep safety at the forefront.

Statistics show that one-third of alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur between April and June— the height of prom and graduation season. At Shore Regional High School, we are committed to promoting responsible decision-making during this critical time. We work closely with local community partners to educate students on the potential risks and help ensure their safety.

This year, we were fortunate to partner with the Oceanport and West Long Branch Police Departments for an engaging two-day safety initiative. Officers visited juniors and seniors during their health and physical education classes on April 22nd and April 23. With the help of golf carts, a designated driving course, and Fatal Vision goggles that simulate impairment from drugs and alcohol, students experienced firsthand the dangers of impaired driving. Officers also facilitated field sobriety tests and coordination exercises like catching tennis balls while wearing the goggles — all to underscore the real-world consequences of substance use.

Before heading outside for the hands-on activities, each class gathered in the auditorium for an interactive presentation. The session began with a fun and informative Kahoot quiz covering prom pop culture and teen driving facts. The police departments generously donated $15 gift cards for the top two winners of each class,  Following the quiz, a collaborative PowerPoint presentation by our physical education teachers and local officers covered vital topics, including:

• The 911 Lifeline Legislation (Good Samaritan Law)

• Driver and pedestrian safety

• The legal and personal consequences of underage drinking

As an added layer of awareness and accountability, Shore Regional High School requires student and parent/guardian attendance at our Mission…P.R.O.M. (Prevent Reckless Offenses and Mistakes) program.  This initiative features impactful speakers who share expert knowledge and personal experiences related to the legal and health risks facing teens. Both the presenters and the accompanying PowerPoint emphasized the importance of shared responsibility.   

• The junior prom meeting, held on Wednesday, April 15th, featured a criminal defense attorney and a trauma injury prevention coordinator from Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

• The senior prom meeting, held Thursday, May 14th, featured a motivational speaker sharing impactful personal stories.

This year’s Junior Prom took place on Friday, May 1st at Branches in West Long Branch, and the Senior Prom will be held on Thursday, June 4th at Windows on the Water at the Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright.

At Shore Regional, we are proud to take a proactive approach to student safety, and we thank our community partners, faculty, parents, and — most importantly — our students for their commitment to making this season one to celebrate safely.