Together We Can Helps Improve Young Lives

Since the group formed in the fall of 1995, Together We Can has lived up to its name.

The group's goal is to plan and organize activities that help young people avoid risk factors such as drugs, alcohol and violence.

They have done this in various and creative ways. Youngsters have donned special goggles that mimic the effects of drunkenness and then tried to drive in an effort to demonstrate firsthand what can happen when drinking and driving mix.

They have sponsored Skidz Skool, defensive driving training that helps teens better navigate their vehicles through obstacles.

They have helped with National Night Out, an annual event that encourages community safety and crime prevention awareness, and co-hosted ice skating parties on Lake Ripple.

Their cornerstone event is the after-graduation, all-night Bon Voyage party, which has been held the night of graduation every year since 1997. Some years are more economically challenging than others but "we make sure it happens,'' said Debbie Trapasso, chairman of the group.

At this party, which lasts until morning, youngsters arrive by bus to a specific location and spend the night there listening to music, playing games and participating in fun activities that keep them off the road and away from alcohol and other potential hazards.

This  event will be held at the Boroughs YMCA in Westborough. Last year, more than 90 percent of graduating seniors attended. The teens cannot leave the premises until morning, unless they are picked up by a parent.

Fund-raising for this party, which costs about $100 per student, takes serious planning and effort, Trapasso said.

Parents of junior class members chaperone the event, so they can know more about it when their students attend, Trapasso said. This also allows adult supervision without students having heir own parents underfoot.

The organization also sponsors two scholarships a year to graduating seniors.

New members are always welcome, Trapasso said. Membership is open to town residents who are registered voters or members of town-related organizations and agencies, such as the Grafton Police Department.

Current members, in addition to Trapasso, include Grafton Police Sgt. William Kuck and School Resource Officer Al Hulbert, Christopher Roney, Katharine Cederberg, Helen Atchue and non-voting member Timmery Kuck, who represents the Grafton High School chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions.

To learn more about Together We Can, email Trepasso at trapassod@grafton.k12.ma.us.