Carson High School senior’s project showcases dangers of a teen party

One Carson High School senior used her weekend to inform parents about the dangers of teen parties.

Diana Alonso hosted a mock party at her residence Saturday, to show the dangers lurking at many teen parties including drug use, overdoses, drinking games and date rape. Parents and community members were led on a tour throughout the house by the Carson City School Resource officers, previewing the dangers depicted in the scenario.

“I wanted to raise awareness about what happens,” Alonso said. “So many parents think they know what does on, but maybe if they can actually see what happens they will really care. It is different talking about (the dangers) than actually seeing it and I think that makes a difference.”

The parents were taken throughout the house to witness the different scenes and learn about a variety of resources including Partnership Carson City, Ron Wood Family Resource Center, the Sheriff’s Office and Advocates to End Domestic Violence. The School Resource officers also taught parents techniques teenagers use to hide drugs in “stash cans” and other items as well as what the different kinds of drugs and paraphernalia look like.

“It was really nice (going through this) because I gained a lot of knowledge,” said Hunter Carver, one of the attendees. “(I learned the most) from the drug room because I learned what the different types looked like and what they are.”

Alonso said certain things were hard for her that she couldn’t watch certain scenes — like the date rape scene — during the tours.

“I think it is good to show that worst case scenario because parents have to be prepared for it,” Alonso said. “We are going off to college soon and they are going to think we are safe and sound and mom and dad think you are being taken care of, but really you could be getting date raped in the next room.”

This project took nearly four months for Alonso to put together, with the help of her mentor Hannah McDonald, the School Resource Officers and her friends.

“I think it is truly important for parents to have a true visual,” McDonald said. “This provides major and minor things that could happen in the home, and what a brave thing to do to show parents what could happen.”

Alonso said even if one parent was able to take away valuable information, then the project would be worth it.

“Even if 40 people come and it doesn’t impact 39; if at least one person leaves affected by it, then it can help with future situations,” Alonso said.

“This is beneficial because it makes the parents more aware of what can happen at these kinds of parties and by keeping them more aware, it keeps our kids safer,” said Deputy Jarrod Adams.