BURNABY, BC – For the 10th year running, the British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) is urging B.C.'s grade 12 students to "party safe" with Dry Grad celebrations in an effort to have an injury-free class of 2001.
To support and encourage this endeavour, BCAA will donate one membership to each secondary school holding a dry grad celebration attended by at least 50 per cent of the school's graduating students.
In 1991, BCAA began what has become its annual challenge to B.C.'s grade 12 students to organize safe, dry grad celebrations in an effort to reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes. Impaired driving continues to be a serious traffic safety issue in B.C. as, historically, graduation celebrations have tempted a lot of students to drink and drive. Fortunately, an increasing number of student groups are holding alcohol-free graduation events. Last year, more than 100 schools – from Powell River to Surrey, Courtenay to Kelowna – responded to BCAA's Dry Grad Challenge. BCAA is confident that this positive trend will continue.
"There are a ton of kids out there who actually prefer having dry grad parties," says Megan Davis, a grade 12 student organizing this year's dry grad at Point Grey Secondary School in Vancouver. "It's a way for the whole grade to be together and have fun – without worrying about each other."
To receive a complimentary BCAA membership, schools can apply to BCAA Corporate Communications, 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5G 4T1, no later than April 30, 2001.