To the editor,
On September 25, Monroe Clinic and Hospital Foundation presented the “Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth” (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program to 11 different high schools in the area. The 75-minute presentation at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) featured a dramatization depicting the tragic results that can occur from drinking and driving.
This year, more than 600 students from Illinois and Wisconsin high schools were in attendance from Albany, Argyle, Belleville, Blackhawk, Juda, Le-Win, Monroe, Monticello, New Glarus, Orangeville, Pecatonica, and Pearl City.
Many people contributed to the success of this program and I would like to offer our sincere gratitude for their time and commitment to the youth of these communities. Our “actors” included representatives from Green County EMS; firefighters from Monroe and Monticello; the Monroe police department; the Green County sheriff and coroner; and Monroe Clinic physicians, nurses, and staff. These real-life heroes brought their role in protecting our communities to life on the stage.
Special thanks goes to guest speakers Dave McGuire, Cara Erickson, Lori Zander, Darcy Schehr, Tom Vale, Becky Good, and Kris Hasse for their perspective; Monroe High School for their gifted student actors, stage crew, and use of the PAC; and the generous donors to Monroe Clinic and Hospital Foundation for their continued commitment to this program.
Together these individuals and groups challenged area students to make better choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol, vehicle use, and behaviors that cause inattentive driving. Without their commitment, this program would not be possible.
Tracey Pederson, executive director, Monroe Clinic & Hospital Foundation, Monroe