Annual event faces new concerns

Prom has been held at the JW Marriott since Johnson has been open.

by Eduardo Calderon| News Editor

This year’s prom had several incidents involving minors in possession or under the influence of alcohol.

“This is the first incident we have had to deal with, but as [the school] gets bigger these things occur,” principal John Mehlbrech said.“We must keep it as safe as possible.”

However large the incident can be, the school and the JW Marriott find no hassle in dealing with the situation.

“This is no way unusual for us or the JW, it happens at every high school that holds a prom,” Mehlbrech said.

The incident as well will not affect any possibility of not having prom at the JW Marriott.

“We have always had a good relationship [with the Marriott], they offer good deals and we like to keep prom within the community,” Mehlbrech said.

Next year’s prom may find a few differences to previous events involving transportation.

“We’re going to send out information to parents, cautioning them about buses,” Mehlbrech said, “Limos are okay, [but buses] are asking for temptation because of the large number of kids it can hold and the stuff they may bring on it.”

Searches may be conducted next year if buses are used as transportation.

“We have to check with the legal department, but we may check buses for illegal items,” Mehlbrech said.

Certain individuals may not be welcome back to next year’s prom.

“Current students who made mistakes at this year’s prom are invited back to join us next year,” Mehlbrech said. “But kids who do not attend Johnson this year are not invited back to prom.”

Minors under the influence of alcohol pose an immediate risk to themselves and those around them.

“They endanger their lives, faculty, and staff,” Officer Pe Mireles said. “They fall under the administration’s jurisdiction since they are considered parental supervision at a school function.”

Lessons are learned from mistakes committed in the past, and new policies are enforced to strengthen such lessons.

“Next year behavior is everything. Students represent the school at all times, and administration is keeping an eye out at all times,” Mehlbrech said. “Prom is meant to have a good time, but don’t go over the line.”

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