Sober celebrations for Central Coast seniors

High school has come to an end for many teens on the Central Coast. On Friday, seniors at Pacific Grove High School graduated, eager to start a new chapter in their lives.

“I’m feeling very great. Glad to be done with high school, done with the required school, exited to move on to college,” said graduating senior Nathan Moses.

High schools seniorsin Salinas also graduated this week. While it’s an exciting time, law enforcement said graduates need to be smart about how they celebrate.

“Be very careful because something that happens today or tonight might have a long lasting impact on your future,” said Sgt. Carl Lafata with Pacific Grove police.

That’s why parents and volunteers in Pacific Grove organized a chaperoned all-night party for graduates. It’s an alcohol and drug-free event. Backpacks are checked by dogs and teens have to blow into a Breathalyzer before boarding the bus.

“Definitely keeps kids out of trouble. I mean it’s one more night to celebrate with your class and it teaches you that you can be fun while staying sober,” said graduating senior John Buttrey.

During this time of celebration, police want teens to ask themselves “is it worth it?”

“How would they feel if their classmates, their close friends, their loved ones were either killed by a drunk driver or killed in a drunk driving accident,” said Lafata.

That was the case for three Gilroy teens. They were killed in a drunk driving accident one month before graduation.

To help prevent such a tragedy, police said parents need to talk with their kids and explain how a poor decision can quickly change what should be a happy night.