Tips for a Safe Prom and Graduation Season 2022

 

Tips for a Safe Prom and Graduation Season

InnerAct Alliance and youth coalition, UthMpact, are proud to present the 10th year of the Project Prom effort to provide formal wear to deserving high school students and educate about risky behaviors that may occur during prom and graduation time. The final Student Shopping Day of the Spring will take place this Saturday, April 9 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Project Prom Store in the Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland (old Sears wing). So far this year, over 150 students with a Polk County School ID have signed pledges promising to celebrate Prom alcohol- and substance-free and received their dresses, suits, and accessories for FREE!

Teens can plan some simple things in advance to ensure that Prom will be a safe and fun time to create unforgettable memories. Discuss Prom plans with your friends ahead of time and share those plans with your parents to establish trust. While the lines of communication are open, discuss a curfew that you all agree on and ask a parent or trusted adult to be available on Prom Night in case you need to call. It is also a good idea to get to know your prom date before you go. Talk to friends and your date to plan what you will say or do if someone offers alcohol or another illegal drug. It can be as simple as "No Thanks!" or "I want to remember tonight, you should too!" Bring a fully charged cell phone and make sure everyone's safe in the car wearing seat belts...and always remember, no texting and driving!

Since 2013, over 5,000 prom ensembles have been provided at no cost to young women and men in Polk County. Community members may support the effort by donating gently used dresses, shoes, men's suits, and accessories. Especially needed are women's dresses in sizes XS (0-3) and Plus Sizes (18+) and men's dress pants (waist 28-34) and dress shirts (all sizes). Formal wear donations may be dropped off at the Project Prom Store on April 9 or at the InnerAct Alliance office at 621 South Florida Ave. (8:30am-4:30pm weekdays).

UthMpact's goal is to promote a fun and safe Prom Night. For more information, please contact Samantha McCain at (863) 802-0777 or visit www.uthmpact.org, www.projectprompolk.com.