For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Shirley Police Offer Tips for Graduation

SHIRLEY– As students and parents prepare for end of the year festivities, Chief Thomas Goulden and the Shirley Police Department ask that all residents who are partaking in graduation related celebrations do so in a safe and responsible manner.

Graduation for the Ayer-Shirley Regional District High School Class of 2016 will take place on Friday, June 3 at 6 p.m. on the Harold G. Norton Field.

“Congratulations to our graduating seniors!” Chief Goulden said. “This is a wonderful accomplishment for you and your families. We ask that you remember these safety tips as you celebrate.”

Students, please remember:

• To not feel pressured to drink or do drugs. The penalty for person under 21 years old who attempts to purchase alcohol, makes arrangements to buy alcohol, or uses a fake I.D. is a suspended license for 180 days and a $300 fine.
• Never drink and drive. Do not get in a car with anyone who has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs.
• Respect yourself and others. Know your boundaries and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused.

Parents can help their students celebrate appropriately. Shirley Police recommend that adults:

• Know their teenagers’ plans. Find out where your child is going, who it’s with and what they’ll be doing. Make sure all parties are supervised and that you and the responsible adults share the same expectations about party behavior. Offer to drive your teenager to and from parties.
• Set firm guidelines and expectations for post-ceremony celebrations. Establish a reasonable curfew and check-in periodically. Include consequences for breaking the rules in your discussion.
•  If you’re hosting the party, provide non-alcoholic beverages and do not tolerate drugs on your property. Keep alcohol at home in a locked cabinet. Under the Social Host Law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their homes.
• Keep an eye out for youths bringing in backpacks or large purses, which could be used to conceal alcohol. Put guests’ belongings in a room and watch out for those who may be going into their bags to retrieve alcohol or drugs that could have slipped past you at the door.
• Party crashers should be turned away, as the greater the number of guests at the your residence, the harder it will be to maintain a controlled environment.
• At the same time, if an invited guest arrives intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, be prepared to call the person’s parents. Alert adults to your rules before the celebration so they are aware of the consequences if their teen becomes a problem.

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