SWAMPSCOTT — A Swampscott High School dance was cut short last week because of underage drinking when at least one student was taken to the hospital.
Superintendent Pamela Angelakis confirmed a student came to the dance intoxicated last Friday. She said the student had been drinking at a house party before coming to the event.
“The student’s parents were notified and they came to the school,” Angelakis said in a statement. “After they arrived, it was recommended that the student be checked at the hospital and the parents agreed. The student was transported to the hospital by ambulance.”
School officials determined that eight other students at the dance had attended the party and consumed alcohol, she said.
Robert Murphy, the high school’s principal, ended the dance at 9 p.m., an hour earlier than scheduled. Murphy has met with the students involved and their parents, Angelakis said.
“The students have been disciplined according to Swampscott High School policies and procedures and the MIAA handbook,” Angelakis said. “They will also participate in Swampscott High School’s chemical health protocol.”
Angelakis’ office declined to say what other discipline may be included or say the students’ ages.
But one man, who asked to remain anonymous, said his niece, a freshman, was one of about a dozen students called into Murphy’s office about the incident. He said she took a breathalyzer, which came back clean. He was told three students went to the hospital that night and that pills were also involved.
