Middlesex DA Funds Substance-Free After-Prom, Graduation Events At Arlington HS

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office announced it has provided more than $10,000 to high schools throughout Middlesex County for substance-free after-prom and graduation events.

The District Attorney’s Office provided $10,500 to 20 high school across the county. Arlington High School was one of the 20 schools included.

“Our goal is always to help school districts offer safe after prom and graduation activities so the memories teenagers will have of their parties, dances, and commencement will be about experiences which were enjoyable and safe,” District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a release.

School districts that applied for funds each received $500 from the District Attorney’s Office.

Each year numerous teens are injured or killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents on prom and graduation nights, the DA’s office said. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young adults between the ages of 15 and 19 years old, many of which are caused by impaired or distracted driving, according to the release.

Ryan spoke at school assemblies across the county, encouraging teens to make “safe choices” when attending parties and other activities with friends, the DA’s office said.

Under Massachusetts law, adults and minors can face up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000 for furnishing alcohol to a minor. Additionally, a first driving while intoxicated offense could result in a suspended license, fine of up to $5,000 and/or a 30 month prison sentence.

(Photo courtesy of Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office)