Alexa Burke and
Courtney Long
Staff Reporters
        There’s something new at Prom this year: breathalyzers.
        Administrators have announced that they will be measuring the Blood Alcohol Content of the students as they walk into Prom. “The main goal of the test is student safety. We want to deter kids from drinking and driving,” said Eric McFee, principal.
        Cape Coral High School has purchased two breathalyzer systems to use at this year’s prom, and for any future events. The administrators got the idea from schools around the state, including Riverdale High School and Mariner High School. The main reason for the breathalizerss is to keep students safe. “We thought it was a good idea for our prom, for safety reasons,” said Tommy Bowens, assistant principal.
        There will be a sheriff, and two Cape Coral Police Officers at Prom, as well as Cape’s own resource officer. McFee and Bowens are the ones administering the tests to students.
        “There are always students trying to challenge the rules,” said Bowens. For those students who do show up to Prom with anything more than a 0.00 BAC, there will be severe consequences. “We’re leaving the options open. We’re not ruling anything out as far as consequences,” said Bowens.
        For the breathalyzer to work properly, the student must blow into it a certain way, which will be instructed by the administrator.
        As well as the breathalyzer test, a search will be performed on the student to ensure they are not bringing any prohibited items into Prom.
        Students have mixed opinions on the test. Most kids are okay with the idea. “I know that one kid has ruined it for us all, and I get what the administrators are trying to prevent,” said Jessica Gera, senior. But some are not too keen on the idea. “I understand where they’re coming from but its also trying to make kids work harder at trying to get away showing up drunk at prom,” Alyssa Porrino, senior.
        “This is just another tool to help prevent bad decision making. Kids are going to do what they want, we can’t stop that. But we’re trying to stop them from showing up at Prom under the influence of alcohol,” said McFee.
        “Sometimes kids make bad choices. We’re trying to help kids make good choices, and not indulging in alcohol. We’re just trying to keep them safe,” said Bowens.
        Prom is being held on May 16, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center.