South Dakota High School Using Breathalyzer At Prom

We've all been talking about signs of Spring a lot lately. It's hard not to think about that warming seasonal change with all the great weather we've had. Springtime is also prom time and this year one South Dakota high school is adding another dimension to its safety protocol.

Many high schools now have school resource officers to keep the students safe every day and at events like school dances. However, Madison High School is adding another element to its safety tools.

Dakota News Now is reporting that this year, Madison High School students who attend their prom will be given breathalyzer tests.

The Madison school board in conjunction with the Madison Police Department agreed that the test will be given out prior to the Grand March so as not to interfere with the prom experience.

Madison High School leaders were looking for ways to reduce the chances for underage drinking at the event and came up with the idea for breathalyzers.

Principal Adam Shaw said:

It’s not a spectacle. It’s not going to be out for everybody to see. Nobody’s going to see it being done and the main purpose is just safety. We want our kids to have a great time and we work hard to make sure our kids have a great time, but at the same time we have to make sure they’re safe

A local business sponsored the breathalyzer tubes so there will be no cost to the school district or police department.

The school board is in full support of the project, despite some negative feedback on social media.

Principal Shaw indicated that other schools are doing the same kind of thing at their proms, but even if that wasn't the case, he still believes this is the best decision for their kids at Madison High School.

Source: Dakota News Now