The theme of this year’s Steamboat Springs High School prom is “007.” But this prom will feature a challenge the martini-sipping James Bond probably hasn’t dealt with – Breathaly zer tests.
High school officials will be taking the unusual step of administering random Breathalyzer tests at the gala prom at the Steamboat Grand hotel – as well as at an all-night after-prom party at the high school.
“It’s an additional thing we can do to prevent a tragedy from happening,” said Steamboat Springs police Capt. Joel Rae, whose department is loaning the portable alcohol-testing devices to the school for the prom.
Rae said students drank at previous proms and at a sanctioned after-party organized by parents. He hopes the tests will cut down on prom-night drinking.
Principal Mike Knezevich told the Craig Daily News he has toyed with the plan before but decided to do it this year after a group of students approached him with the idea.
He said the school has had Breathalyzers available at dances and events in the past to test students suspected of drinking, but this is the first time they will be used randomly.
That idea doesn’t sit well with those associated with the prom.
Cindy Carlson, one of the organizers of a $14,000 after-prom extravaganza, thinks the many events – movies, obstacle courses, card games, carnival booths, a hypnotist, a huge walk-through jukebox, prize giveaways and locked doors through the night – are enough to keep students away from booze.
Carlson worries that the Breathalyzers may actually create problems.
“My concern is, I don’t want them to be deterred if they think they are going to be tested at the door. Then what are they going to be doing the rest of the night?” Carlson said.
One student hesitantly said he thought it was a good idea.
“(Drinking) is not something they should be doing at prom. I think kids will think twice about it,” said Steamboat senior Kylie Hawes.
Sandy Pugh, owner of Celebrations Inc. formalwear, thinks the Breathalyzers could work well.
“I’m hoping it will not keep kids away. I’m hoping it will make them think twice,” she said.
The idea of Breathalyzer tests at proms is unusual, though not unheard of, in Colorado schools.
Hand-held Breathalyzers were available for chaperones to use if they suspected a student of drinking at the Douglas County High School prom two weeks ago. But there were no incidents and no students were tested, principal Edna Doherty said.
Cherry Creek High School has a police presence at all after- school events, said Tustin Amole, spokeswoman with the Cherry Creek School District, but they don’t use Breathalyzers.
Breathalyzer tests would be impractical, Amole said.
“At Cherry Creek alone that would require us to do 1,800 kids,” Amole said.
Staff writer Gabriela Resto-Montero contributed to this report.
Staff writer Nancy Lofholm can be reached at 970-256-1957 or nlofholm@denverpost.com.
