‘Project Prom’ Aims to Deter Students from Partying at the Shore

Cranford Municipal Alliance is continuing its efforts to reduce underage drinking in Cranford. In the Alliance’s newest approach, they have launched ‘Project Prom’ to follow the high school’s prom.

‘Project Prom,’ aims to deter students from “doing the Seaside thing,” Chair of the Cranford Municipal Alliance Bill Illaria said.

He added that it will take years to build the program’s success rate to that of ‘Project Graduation,’ but the Alliance is hoping it will deter students from going down the shore after prom. Illaria also referenced the events of Clark students this past prom weekend, where 10 teens were accused of throwing a wild party.

The mission of the Cranford Municipal Alliance, an organization part of the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, is to reduce and prevent substance abuse. They have identified that too many youths ages 12 to 21 are using alcohol.  Through program and enforcement the organization is hoping to influence policy shifts about underage drinking.

Illaria explained to the council on Oct. 7 that parents are becoming more on board with the Alliance’s message and students understand that you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. He added that residents of other towns have told him they wish their town was more like Cranford when it came to underage drinking.

In addition to ‘Project Prom,’ the Alliance is introducing a town-wide family dinner on Nov. 25 at St. Michael’s School Cafeteria from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This will serve as the town kick-off event for the Family Dinner Tuesdays.

Cranford’s Municipal Alliance works with various organizations in town to promote their message. The organizations include, the school district’s joint action committee, the Township, clergy council, Chamber of Commerce and office of Business and Economic Development, police department, community groups, parks and recreation and youth sports groups.

What do you think of the idea for ‘Project Prom’?