To the editor:
With high school graduation upon us, there is much to celebrate about the talents and accomplishments of seniors at Lynnfield High School.
The announcement stating Massachusetts’ State of Emergency will end in June, along with the advent of warm weather and the excitement of being able to “return to normal,” makes it easy to understand how celebrations may abound.
Graduation is typically a time for backyard parties, family celebrations and get-togethers with friends; young people need this social connectedness more than ever this year. But it is important to remember our No. 1 goal as a community is to protect the bright futures of our youth.
Members of the Class of 2021 have come so far, grown so fast and accomplished so much. Why put a bright future at risk?
A Healthy Lynnfield, the Lynnfield Public Schools and Lynnfield Police remind parents to host substance-free, safe gatherings for teens. The MA Social Host Law spells out that it is illegal to furnish alcohol to minors and that it is our collective responsibility to keep kids safe.
As graduation approaches, it is important for parents to talk to teens about how important it is to practice good decision making and to be creative in the ways you celebrate Lynnfield youth.
Your teens will remember the kindness and the sense of a strong community caring for them. So many have worked so hard to make Graduation 2021 a memorable, positive and healthy experience for all seniors.
Let’s work together to make sure Lynnfield kids stay safe and let’s wish the Class of 2021 safe and healthy futures.
Celebrate safely!
Superintendent of Schools Kristen Vogel
Acting Chief of Police Nick Secatore
Substance Use Prevention Coordinator Peg Sallade
