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The month of May brings with it graduations, those joyous celebrations of educational achievement.
Graduation nights can also bring dread for parents, who worry about the possibility of their children making bad choices while celebrating with their friends.
One thing parents can do to lessen their stress and worry level is to have the difficult conversations with their kids about the dangers of underage drinking, and also drinking and driving.
Another thing that can give parents peace of mind is an event such as the Project Safe Graduation party that will take place after Elkins High School's graduation on May 31.
The party, which is marking its 39th year, was begun in 1985 after the tragic death of a student at a party at Stuart's Park after graduation in 1984. Parents of members of the Class of 1985 started the party to provide a safe, alcohol-free environment for the graduating seniors. Ron and Nichy LaNeve, Joe and Sandy Grahame, Don Goff, George and Jane Collett, and a number of other parents and teachers got together to organize the initial party at the Davis & Elkins College pit.
This year's party will once again be held at the Phil Gainer Community Center. Prior to moving to the Gainer Center in 2020, the party was held at a number of different sites in Elkins including the First United Methodist Church, Davis & Elkins College and the YMCA.
In addition to events such as Project Safe Graduation, however, it is imperative for parents to have those hard conversations with their offspring about drinking. It's a vital part of responsible parenting.
Here is a list of local high school graduations this month:
Philip Barbour High School -- Friday, May 17
Buckhannon-Upshur High School -- Friday, May 24
Tucker County High School -- Friday, May 24
Pocahontas County High School -- Sunday, May 26
Pickens School -- Tuesday, May 28
Harman School -- Wednesday, May 29
Tygarts Valley High School -- Thursday, May 30
Elkins High School -- Friday, May 31