"Prom Promise" Aims to Steer Teens Toward Safe Year-End Celebrations

An event that high school students look forward to is their yearly Prom. The Prom is normally scheduled in April, May or June - near the end of the school year. The teenagers spend weeks planning what to wear, the theme for decorations, where and what to eat, and who to hire for entertainment.

At the same time, teachers, parents and advisors are busy trying to keep the young people on track with their final studies and aware of the consequences of dangerous behaviors that can surround these joyful events. In Providence, RI many of the high schools have instituted a program called "Prom Promise".

"Prom Promise" is a multi-media event designed by the faculty and school administration. It includes several speakers who present scenarios and consequences of risky behaviors. In essence, the teens promise that they will not drink, take drugs, or drive at a high rate of speed to endanger themselves or others on Prom Night. Each student must sign a contract that says they attended "Prom Promise" and understand what the purpose is. If they do not have proof of attending "Prom Promise", they are not allowed to attend their Prom.

At Hope High School in Providence, RI, School Academic Advisor Community Advocate and Motivational Speaker Tacuma Vanterpool is part of "Prom Promise. He presents a unique program whose goal is to help the students develop strategies that will take them far beyond Prom. His goal is to get students to Embrace Self-Respect, "Switch" strategies and Think Sober.

Vanterpool, who comes from a family dedicated to community service, is an engaging, confident and tireless young man dedicated to making life better for the people in his school and his community. His hope is to eventually take his message beyond the borders of his local schools and community to others.

For "Prom Promise" Vanterpool partnered with Officer Chris Owen from the Providence Police Department who is assigned to Hope High School. They both teach prom goers about making good choices. In support of Vanterpool's program Officer Owen says, "The kids really took to Tacuma's presentation. I think someone of his age can speak to actual life experiences that are happening right now. The kids understand him. They respect him, and really listen to what he has to say."

Vanterpool's program, "This Can Happen to You", delivers a sobering message through a dynamic multimedia school assembly show informing high school students about how the decisions they make today impact their lives tomorrow. Students view an impactive drinking and driving print ad and Public Service Announcement (PSA) to understand the message.

Vanterpool believes, as many parents do, that the community must make an investment in the future of children today by giving them the skills they need to make smart and legal choices about alcohol. Vanterpool chose his platform against drunk driving following an accident that included a fatality, and in which his mother was nearly killed by a drunk driver.

While Vanterpool was designing his program, "This Can Happen To You" he received support from his siblings, Yvette and Asim Vanterpool, local photographer, Owen Muir, and Valley Street Auto Sales. Valley Street Auto Sales hauled a recently accident-smashed vehicle to the school to be viewed by the students to complete the drinking and driving illustration. Hope High School Film students, Albert Omije and Chris Andreozzi were thrilled to utilize their skills as a community service and the thought of protecting lives. So they agreed to help make the Public Service Announcement.

In addition, Vanterpool was able to gain the support of the national juice company, "Switch", with the help of Sodexo School Service employees, Ms. Lori Castonguay and Mr. Charlie Santa Cruzso. Vanterpool wanted to hand out juice drinks as a symbol of sobriety at the end of his presentations. Regional Sales Manager, Michael Penta, believes in Vanterpool's goals, and donated 170 juices and prizes to encourage students to make healthy choices.

By implementing presentations like, "This Can Happen to You", Vanterpool believes we can establish, at a young age, that fundamental decision making concepts can ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Vanterpool is already scheduled to make his presentation at several other Providence area high schools. He hopes to continue his mission as an Ad Hoc Motivational Speaker.