How does it work?

• Kurt Larson, a local trial attorney who represents families devastated by drunk and drugged drivers, provides your school to with a compelling presentation of the legal and personal consequences of underage drug and alcohol use, and the practical impact it has on the future of our students. The program takes the unique approach of treating our students like the young adults that they are, and places the decision to exercise good judgment completely in their hands. Kurt emphasizes, however, that being an adult comes with the heightened obligation to take responsibility for yourself and others.

• Students will receive pledge cards that both they and their parents are required to sign.

• Upon returning their signed pledge cards, students receive incentives such as a t-shirt, wristbands, and/or car window stickers.

• To encourage pledge taking, schools or student organizations may choose to raise money for a drawing. By returning a signed pledge card, the student is automatically registered to win a cash prize, with the winner to be announced after prom night.

• Schools in each region may also elect to compete for a grand prize awarded to the school in each region with the greatest percentage students taking the pledge. This creates a little healthy competition between schools.

• On campus: we assist in encouraging participation by providing posters, and students are encouraged to wear their t-shirts and/or wristbands, and display their car window stickers, to foster the positive peer-pressure environment.

• Off campus: community support and praise for our students commitment is evident through public service announcements on TV and radio, as well as posters and stickers in the windows of local businesses and organizations.

• Larson Law Firm provides a form letter that is mailed by the school to parents of all prom-eligible students encouraging them to support our students by discouraging irresponsible behavior, and reminding them that a permissive attitude by adults regarding alcohol and drugs defeats our purpose.

• High Schools may use this program on its own, or combine it with other awareness activities or prom programs. For example, the Springfield schools used a videotape from a reconstructed accident scene involving a drunk driver to bolster student participation. Some schools may involve their SADD or drama departments, while others use student council, prom committee, and other enthusiastic students.

“Our schools are very fortunate to have community-minded businesses and individuals like Kurt Larson who truly care about our children. We will never know how many accidents may be prevented or lives saved by this innovative program."