Monroe High School is the recipient of a $3,000 award for highest participation in North Carolina for the 2006 Safe & Sober Prom Night Program.

The Safe & Sober program was founded by Lewis & Daggett, P.A. in 1991 to promote positive peer pressure and raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol among high school students. In fact, more than 300,000 students have signed the Safe and Sober pledge.

"On behalf of Lewis & Daggett and the entire SSPN organization, we continue to be amazed and impressed with the quality of young people in our communities. We join together to encourage, support and commend the students, faculty and staff at these schools. They truly make a positive difference and make us optimistic for a bright future," said David Daggett, of Lewis & Daggett, P.A.

Schools that participate in the program receive pledge cards that students sign prior to prom, pledging that they will remain drug and alcohol free on prom night. After prom, schools have the opportunity to participate in our contest by submitting their sign-up sheets. The school in each region with highest percentage of participation wins $500, and the state winner earns an additional $2,500 to use for the school as needed.

Since the program’s creation, more than $30,000 has been awarded to schools in the Carolinas. Both the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and the South Carolina High School League are strong supporters of this program.

“The NCHSAA highly values the safety of our youth and recognizes that many of North Carolina’s teens are making good choices, such as the Safe Sober pledge,” Karen Moose DeHart, NCHSAA Director of Development, said. “School participation is integral to the success of the program and the participating schools should be congratulated. Likewise, the schools with the highest participation rates per region are well-deserving of special recognition for their commitment to remaining safe and sober on Prom night.”

The Safe and Sober Prom Night Program is sponsored by Lewis & Daggett Attorneys, Wendy’s Restaurants, and the Carolina Ford Dealers. Partners of the program include the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and the South Carolina High School League. Huddle Incorporated of Duluth, GA, manages the Safe & Sober Program. For more information please contact Shellie Hutchens at 678-957-4047, or by email at shutchens@huddleinc.com.