La Cueva Hosted “Living Above the Influence Day” for All Students Before Prom

The school provided information on substance and alcohol abuse to students in an effort to help them make responsible choices.

Courts to School presentation at LCHS

April 17, 2012

La Cueva High School hosted a Living Above the Influence Day on Friday, April 13 – the day before prom – to bring awareness and education to students regarding substance abuse.

“We want them to have this information so that they can make intelligent choices in their lives and know where the resources are, should they need help,” said Susan McKee, LCHS Crossroads counselor. “We planned this to take place the day before prom in the hopes that it would positively influence students to make responsible choices.”

The Above the Influence Day included several presentations on drug and alcohol awareness. Freshmen attended presentations on prescription drug abuse; watched a video titled “Death by Alcohol”; participated in a discussion on safe driving sponsored by SafeTeen New Mexico after watching the video, "Crash"; and visited informational booths set up in the school’s concourse by several community organizations.

Seniors attended a Courts to School assembly where Metropolitan Court Judge Briana Zamora heard four DWI cases. Courts to School is a Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court program designed to bring the courtroom experience into schools, exposing students to the realities and consequences of driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. School gyms and performing arts centers  are transformed into courtrooms complete with lawyers and defendants flanking the judge’s bench, bailiffs and probation officers. Several APS high schools have participated in the program.  

Sophomores and juniors at La Cueva listened to a career panel presentation and then participated in a career fair. Each student was asked to visit with at least five professionals to gather information on future careers.

McKee called the day a success, in large part because of community participation. "I would like to say thanks for all of the community support we had for our Above the Influence Day,” McKee said.