Officials encourage parents to make prom plans

LYNN – “Be a parent, not a pal.”That was the message that Lynn Police Chief Kevin Coppinger and Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett gave to parents during their Teen Health and Safety Parent Program Night, which advised parents to prevent teenage drinking, especially on prom night, at Lynn English High School Wednesday night.Coppinger presented a graphic video portraying car accidents (live and the aftermath) resulting from drunk driving on prom night to 114 parents and 225 guests total.?If it?s predictable, it?s preventable,” Coppinger said. “Discuss what limits and guidelines you want to set. Extend their curfews as part of the deal. Make sure they know they can call for a ride home – no questions asked that evening. Safety is the priority.”Blodgett, who has given this presentation 50 times, said the chief is right.?It?s so true tonight,” Blodgett said. “Hopefully, kids will know how one bad decision can change their life.?You parents have the power to help your kids make good decisions,” Blodgett said to the crowd,” I don?t want to see another situation in the city in Lynn. Prom night and graduation should be a happy time. I want the best for you and your children.”Blodgett urged parents to work with the district attorney?s office and with the Lynn Police Department.Dr. Catherine Latham, Lynn Public Schools superintendent, thanked both men for their speeches.?Mr. Blodgett is a special friend to us in Lynn and a friend to the educational communities throughout Essex County,” Latham said. “Mr. Coppinger sees more than we do, and knows full well the problems that our children can get themselves into.”She urged parents to remember the words spoken Wednesday night to keep students safe beyond prom season. Classical High School will hold its Teen Health and Safety Parent Program Night April 8.According to Cassandra Foley, director of teen projects at Girls, Inc., 400 to 500 guests will hear the Lynn Public Schools? presentation between Wednesday and next week.Parents received a ticket for $20 off their child?s prom ticket – $75 for junior and $85 for senior prom.?I?ve seen over the past few years how parents have grown to disapprove of underage drinking as a result of the presentation,” Foley said after the presentation. “It?s important for students to understand the consequences of underage drinking, particularly during prom season, and for parents to know the tools needed to prevent their kids using drugs and alcohol.”While Blodgett focused on the criminal penalties, attorney Clint Muche pointed out civil liabilities and the financial toll.?Whoever furnishes alcohol for a person under 21 years of age shall be punishable of up to $2,000, or by imprisonment for up to one year, or both,” Muche said.Muche answered parents? frequently asked questions and gave examples of house parties that turned fatal in Haverhill, Scituate and Newburyport in 2003.