Attorney works to increase prom-night safety for kids

Attorney Kurt Larson has made it his mission to keep Springfield students safe on prom night through the North Carolina-based Safe and Sober Prom Night program.

Through the program, students who sign pledge cards to stay drug- and alcohol-free on prom night receive discounts at area businesses for prom-related expenses.

They also get free T-shirts and the chance to win $1,000 in a drawing.

“I primarily founded this program because I have two teenagers, so I have vested interest in the next two prom seasons. The program was a perfect way to mesh what I do with talking to students and helping them stay safe on prom night,” Larson said.

Prosecuting Attorney Darrell Moore said that while alcohol consumption among local minors is still high, it seems that fewer teens are using alcohol on prom night, partly due to community involvement such as Larson’s.

“We have implemented a collaboration approach with different groups from the community to minimize it. Prom is a once in a lifetime event and (students) don’t need to have it spoiled by becoming drunk or having some serious consequences,” Moore said.

Larson, a trial attorney and graduate of Drury University, personally donated $10,000 and many hours to bring Safe and Sober Prom Night to the Ozarks.

Larson saw an article about the program several months ago in a magazine. He contacted the people who organized the program in North Carolina, and he decided that Safe and Sober Prom Night might make a difference in Springfield.

But Larson is asking parents to do their part to keep the students safe.

“We are communicating to parents in two ways,” Larson said. “I wrote letters to 1,500 parents of seniors.”

Parents must sign the students’ pledge cards, Larson said.

Thuy Dam, owner of So You Boutique – one of several businesses offering discounts to pledge-card holders – thinks parent involvement increases Safe and Sober Prom Night’s potential for success.

“The students are more likely to follow through (with their pledge) because they promised their parents to do it,” she said.

T.J. Loudis, owner of T.J. Sales, is donating part of the T-shirts and printing costs because, like Larson, he has a teenager who will be attending prom.

James Clary, owner of several Springfield restaurants, also supports the program by offering Safe and Sober participants 15 percent off at Fish Casual Dining.

“I have kids, and I think drinking and driving is endemic in our society,” Clary said.

“If we can keep one kid out of jail or one kid from being in a wreck or one kid out of a hospital or save a life, it is worth doing,” Clary added.

Springfield Public Schools spokesman Bob Keyes added, “Anytime you are actually taking the step to sign a pledge card, you are certainly going to be mindful of the fact that you have made a commitment to steer clear of drugs and alcohol.”

Larson also has garnered the support of local law enforcement and the Springfield Public Schools Foundation.

Linda Regan, with the Springfield Public Schools Foundation, said the foundation endorsed the program because of the lasting and immediate impact it could have on the community.

“Mr. Larson is committed to helping the program grow, and we are committed to help him in that effort. He is using innovative ways to reach these young people, and he is showing confidence in their decision-making abilities,” Regan said.