GorillaOffTopic, Everything But Gorilla Trades

With the end of the school year upon us, it is time for that highly anticipated graduation day for millions of high school seniors around the nation. Colleges have been picked out, the caps and gowns are ready, and the parties have been planned. But as exciting as this time of year may be, it is no statistical coincidence that graduation parties add up to more alcohol-related tragedies than any other time of year for high school-age students.  Between the months of April and June, when kids are going to their proms and graduations, it is easy to get caught up in the reverie, and casually mix alcohol with driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the year 2000, 58% of traffic fatalities during the prom/graduation period were alcohol-related. In addition, 36% of all alcohol-related fatalities are young people between the ages of 15 and 20 - below the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages. Thankfully, many schools, in partnership with their local law enforcement, are teaming up to get the message out to students NOT to make this often fatal error during what should be the most momentous time of their lives.  The program is called the DWI (driving while intoxicated) awareness program and it aims to deter kids from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is a clever deterrent, which involves driving a golf cart, while wearing Fatal Vision Goggles, which simulate a person’s reaction time while driving impaired. The program simulates four stages of a person under the influence. The reactions of a program participant are the same as an individual who is under the influence, but the program does not replicate how a person feels while under the influence. The program also highlights the fact that medications, including prescriptions, can make one drowsy and impair their driving capabilities. This too can result in a charge of driving under the influence.  Another segment of the program involves the introduction of individuals who are serving time for alcohol or drug-related offenses. The Chief Deputy of Webster Parrish, Louisiana, has been using the program in area schools and says that having the kids listen to these testimonials from criminals is a great idea. He says, “This is one thing these kids can relate to; they want to hear from individuals who can provide true-life experiences.”                                
More than ever before, there are great school-based graduation projects that throw big parties for graduation to deter kids from going to alcohol-related parties. One such event is called Project Graduation. The project focuses on getting kids to come to the party by offering fun and entertainment they would otherwise not get at a regular graduation party. Some of those include bounce houses, Sumo wrestling suits and competitions, Velcro jumping, trampolines, live bands, and tons of great food all for a relatively small fee. The catch; kids must check in at the gate and are put on lock down until 5 o’clock in the morning. They are also checked on the way in for alcohol or drugs (which are obviously prohibited). The thinking is that the kids will want to stay and party all night in a safe and extremely fun environment, and then go home without consuming any alcohol or drugs.  The Gorilla thinks these programs are a great way to keep our kids safe on graduation day. If at all possible, encourage your kids to go to one. Happy Graduation to all the high school seniors and be safe!