Suwannee High School seniors and juniors attending prom this year will have an alternative to drinking after the prom. The Drug Free Coalition of Suwannee County is hosting its second after prom party for those attending prom March 24.

“We want to prevent kids from risky behavior or going places where risky behavior may take place,” said Drug Free Coalition community director Elizabeth Pineda.

As usual, prom attendants plan ahead for parties and other after prom gatherings. This year, Pineda said students are talking about going to Jacksonville Beach to party.

“We want to keep them from the hotels and from drinking and driving and other substance abuse habits with no supervision,” she said.

SHS senior Amanda Quinones attended the party last year and said that’s where she and her friends are headed this year.

“Prom ends at 12 and that’s when everything gets started,” said Quinones, 18.

For Quinones, the place to be after midnight is the after prom party.

“There’s usually some kind of illegal activities going on and I don’t want to be involved in that. I believe you can have just as much fun being sober,” she said.

Quinones added the event is free of charge and doesn’t come with the price of being pressured into risky behavior.

The Drug Free Coalition hopes to catch the attention of parents to help students make the right choices.

Local law enforcement have also jumped on board with the project. The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office will have three deputies at the party and the Live Oak Police Department will provide two officers.

“We’ve had so many accident fatalities with young people whether they are under the influence or falling asleep,” said Sheriff Tony Cameron, adding he supports what the group is doing.

“It (the party) will give students an alternative to going to parties where alcohol and other substances are involved,” said LOPD Chief Buddy Williams. “Young adults need alternatives and structure.”

What can students expect at the party? Free food and soda, endless games and tons of prizes. Dancing and karaoke are on the agenda. Games include “fear factor” and “jeopardy.” Some of the big prizes to be won are an iPod, PSP3, Wii, laptop, portable DVD player and a shopping spree for Oaks Mall in Gainesville.

Pineda said there should be enough items to go around for every person to get at least one prize.

The group is expecting 250-300 students this year. Last year the event drew 168 students.

“It takes a community to help make all this happen,” said Pineda, noting the community really showed their support by giving donations for the event.

The after prom party begins immediately after the SHS prom and lasts until 3 a.m. It will take place at Club Revolution at Melody Christian Center on U.S. 129 S. For more information call the Drug Free Coalition at 362-2272.

Vanessa Fultz can be reached by calling 386-362-1734 ext. 130 or by e-mail at vanessa.fultz@gaflnews.com.