Kids will be kids, and, yes, this includes experimenting with alcohol. More and more high school teens are trying alcohol at parties. Although we, as parents, cannot be with them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we hope that we have taught them to make good decisions.
A North Andover High School student thought that she was making the right decision when it came to her friend’s safety, and those who signed a petition agreed with her. Unfortunately, school officials decided that helping a friend doesn’t outweigh school policy that any association with alcohol is prohibited.
The incident happened approximately two weeks ago, when a high school teen called her friend for a ride home after drinking. Maybe she didn’t want her friend drinking and driving, maybe she was concerned about alcohol poisoning or maybe she was just trying to lend a helping hand. Whatever the motivation, the teenage girl picked her friend up from the party -- but paid for it later.
When the teen arrived at the party to pick up her friend, the police were there as well, handing out citations for underage drinking and possession of alcohol. The teenage girl received one of these citations despite the fact that she hadn’t consumed a drop of liquor or even attended the party as a guest.
Although the police eventually decided not to prosecute the young girl for underage possession of alcohol, she still suffered some very stiff consequences. The girl is a model student with grades that landed her on the honor roll and leadership qualities that earned her the admiration of her volleyball teammates. After the incident, the school stripped her of her volleyball captain’s status and suspended her from five games, both of which she could have to explain during college admissions.
This incident is more common than one might think, and the allegations of any criminal offense could impact a teen or college student’s future.
Source: CBS Boston, “North Andover High Punishes Teen For Giving Drunken Pal Ride Home From Party,” Bree Sison, Oct. 13, 2013