From the Austin American-Statesman:
“Alcohol charge for teen after girl dies at party”
http://www.statesman.com/story-1532725.html
There are so many reasons why alcohol is illegal and unintended for people under 21 years of age. The above article is the perfect example of the dire consequences of underage drinking. I was young once too, and I am very familiar with the reasons young people choose to drink. Some feel it helps them be more social. Others say they do it to fit in with a certain social group. There are many teenagers who drink to help deal with emotions that they don’t know how to cope with yet. Whatever the reason, please think about possible consequences your actions may have!
From the article:
“A 17-year-old boy who hosted a party where 15-year-old Amanda de la Torre suffered a fatal skull fracture has been charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, court records show. Joe Richards, who was not in custody Friday night and could not be reached for comment, threw the party at his mother’s house in Steiner Ranch on April 30, according to an arrest affidavit.”
I can’t count how many times that same scenario presented itself to me as a teenager:
“Mom and dad aren’t home for the weekend!” What a perfect opportunity for me to throw a party at the house!”
So you contact your friends and tell them your house is available for the weekend and to spread the word about the party. This scenario never ends well! Sure enough word spreads like wildfire and one way or another you end up with a situation that can get out of control fast. There are so many things that can go wrong when poor choices are made. Why risk it? For what? For approval of your friends? For popularity? Whatever the initial reason, the potential consequences should be enough to prevent you from doing it. Read on:
“Richards, a former student at Vandegrift High School, told investigators that Amanda was “passed out” when he and other friends found her in the street during the party in the 3200 block of Magenta Sky Trail, the affidavit said. “The minors in attendance at the party did not take immediate action to get the necessary help for Amanda believing that she was just ‘drunk,’” the document said. Amanda was taken to another house in Steiner Ranch, where an adult determined she needed medical aid and called an ambulance, the affidavit said. Amanda had been in a coma until she was taken off life support May 9.”
Make wise choices!!!! Even if it’s not popular at the time, your leadership and independence will be seen as positive characteristics when you get older.
