Freshman Forum Highlights The Dangers Of Alcohol

By Eliza Hallabeck

For the fourth year, Newtown Parent Connection and the Newtown High School PTSA sponsored a Freshmen Forum on Underage Drinking, on Thursday, October 18. The evening event was conducted for members of the Class of 2016 and their parents.

“We hope this night will help you make positive decisions,” said freshmen class advisor Liz Ward, who opened the night with fellow advisor Joanna Diaz.

Speakers during the event included Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson, First Selectman Pat Llodra, Newtown Police Department Officer William Chapman, Danbury Hospital Emergency Room physician and Newtown resident William Begg, attorney Michael Lynch, a woman who has had a personal experience with drinking, a father who lost his daughter to an alcohol-related accident, and Newtown High School Principal Charles Dumais.

Between speakers, students also read accounts, from others, that dealt with drinking.

“If what you hear tonight helps one of you remain healthy and strong, it was worth our effort,” said Dr Robinson.

Each of the presenters offered advice and examples of the dangers that surround underage drinking.

During his presentation, Mr Lynch spoke to both the students and parents about the laws and consequences of underage drinking parties.

“There is never a good choice to be made when choosing to consume alcohol,” said Mr Lynch.

Dr Begg explained drinking alcohol is a risk, and complications with such behavior include death, paralysis, jail, date rape, financial hardship, loss of friends, and more. He asked parents to lead by example.

Two speakers during the night shared their personal stories with alcohol; one was an alcoholic who has since recovered and one speaker lost his daughter when she chose to get in the car with the wrong driver.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through what we have. One more death is unacceptable,” said the father.

Further information about Newtown Parent Connection is available on the organization’s website, www.newtownparentconnection.org.