Mandatory Prom Panel Discussion for High School Seniors (POLL)

Yorktown Patch–

Should high school seniors be required to attend a presentation on the pitfalls of prom and graduation season?

The answer is yes, according to Alliance for Safe Kids, the Yorktown High School PTSA members and Yorktown High School, who are sponsoring a panel discussion this Thursday.

“What Every Parent and Student Should Know about Prom and Graduation Season” presentation will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 8 in the high school auditorium. Attendance for seniors with a parent is mandatory if the student wants to attend his or her prom this year.

Panel discussion will focus on the health and legal consequences of underage drinking and drug use as well as decision making.

The panel of experts includes:

  • Robert Marcus, MD Emergency Department Director, Northern Westchester Hospital Center
  • Barbara Monohan, Chairperson of the Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission
  • Paul S. Scharf, Assistant District Attorney; Chief, Westchester County Criminal Courts & Grand Jury Division
  • Brian Shanahan, Detective Yorktown Police Department
  • Moderator Ellen Morehouse, LCSW, CASAC, CPP, Executive Director, Student Assistance Services Corp.
  • Special Guests:  YHS SADD and VAASA Clubs performing Scenarios for discussion

The same presentation was held last year for the 2011 graduating class, but the idea for that panel started a few years ago, high school principal Joseph DeGennaro said, as an effort to give students information about safety and positive decision making.