Students at Mackinaw City High School will participate in a pre-prom program to learn about drinking and driving Thursday, April 21. Michigan State Police Trooper John Ferguson, of the Petoskey police post, who has been working with Mackinaw City students all year in a series of safety presentations, will bring a drinking and driving simulator car to the school Thursday.

The school’s 16 seniors, 15 juniors, and 16 sophomores will learn about the dangers of drinking and driving to prepare them to make good choices on prom night Saturday, April 23, and at graduation, said principal Vince Lacavera.

“We have been working all year on proactive programs to positively influence the students, and Trooper Ferguson has been a great liaison officer with our school this year,” Mr. Lacavera said. “The kids love to have him here. There is not a big problem in the community, in regard to drinking and driving, but this is a good opportunity to be proactive, rather than reactive.”

High school students will attend a Wednesday assembly about drinking and driving also, he said.

A drug education program is planned for parents at the school Wednesday, May 4, involving speakers from Petoskey Area Schools and Cheboygan County courts. The program offers free babysitting service, and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s multi-purpose room.