I would like to share with you a situation that arose last Saturday night surrounding the North Meck HS Prom.  A group of students at the prom were found to be in possession of alcohol and having consumed alcohol.  One of these students was my oldest daughter, a senior at North Meck. 

In order to provide a safe Prom Night I had rented a Ragin Uptown Bus to transport a group of 34 students from a private dinner to the Prom and then provide safe transportation after the prom.  In doing this the company provided me with a Prom Promise that detailed the consequences of illegal drug or alcohol use by any students on the bus.  While only myself and my daughter were required to sign the Prom Promise, I proactively required all students to sign the Prom Promise contract and discussed with parents and students to details of the Prom Promise and consequences of violating the Prom Promise.  All 34 students did sign this Prom Promise.  However, unbeknownst to me and other parents at the dinner, some of the students had filled water bottles with vodka and placed them in their purses and on the way from dinner to the prom alcohol was consumed. 

Upon arrival at the prom the bus driver smelled alcohol on the students and notified the authorities and a search of the bus was conducted.  I was then called and came immediately to the scene.  While my daughter was not found in possession of alcohol, she did test positive for having consumed and was charged with a misdemeanor consumption of alcohol citation.  I assisted police and staff to remove all students from the prom that were on the bus by providing names and identifying students as they came out so all students could be tested.  Some students from the bus group did leave out of the fire exits to avoid being tested.  I am uncertain of the total number of students who received citations for possesion of alcohol by ALE, citations for consumption for local police and what school suspensions were issued.

I stand by CMS and the police in their actions and can only speak as a parent to one of the students involved, but I can assure you that my daughter and her father and I intend for her to face the punishment warranted in this issue- both by police and CMS.  She will face the consequences for her actions and have to deal with whatever fallout occurs for the behavior and the poor judgment.  This is a difficult time as a parent, but I will make sure my daughter takes full responsibility for her actions.  I appreciate your prayers during this time.

(I would also like to add that my 3 children have brought me the greatest joy I could ever know and I love them all so deeply.  They are all great kids and I am proud of them.  My daughters actions are greatly disappointing and something I hope will teach her all a valuable life lesson)

Rhonda Lennon