Recently, students had the opportunity to learn about alcohol awareness while attending the first ever “Prom Fair” sponsored by WZRT-FM (Z-97). Over 200 teens attended this event which was held at the Rutland Holiday Inn. In addition to a live fashion show featuring the latest in formal wear, there was also an information booth staffed by Stafford Technical Center SADD Chapter and officers from the Rutland County START (Stop Teen Alchohol Risk Team). Not only were students able to collect information on corsages and limosines, but also alchohol education information. The officers and SADD members were available to answer questions, and provided demonstrations involving the “fatal vision goggles”. These goggles are prismatic glasses that distort the viewer’s vision so they begin to act as though they were intoxicated.
The Rutland County START officers present at the event were Trooper Steve Coote of the Vermont State Police and Cpl. Jeff Stephenson of the Rutland County Sheriff’s Department. The SADD students who participated were Jo Lilly and Krista Brayton from Poultney High School, Nate Hance and Erika Stocker from Mill River Union High School, and Ashley Haas of Rutland High School.
Partnerships like these which exist between law enforcement and community members and youth do help to lessen the incidence of underage drinking in our country.