Cherokee County School District’s Prom Promise Program Inspired by Superintendent’s Personal Tragedy

I had the pleasure of stopping by Gaffney High School to see their day long activities leading up to prom.  It’s not your average prom promise celebration, although students DO sign prom promises agreeing not to drink and drive on prom night.  Since Cherokee County School District Superintendent Dr. Bill James started the program in 1996, his school district has not had a prom night fatality. 

On Friday, the juniors and seniors from Gaffney and Blacksburg High Schools were treated to a day of activities including Guitar Hero on the big screen, a dunk tank and a fishing game of some sort.  From the stands, I couldn’t tell what they were fishing for, but I know they were having fun, and Dr. James truly appreciate the DNR’s contribution to this day-long even which included a cook-out for 600 students and faculty.  The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Gaffney Chief of Police were there too, along with volunteers from local churches.

What’s really special about this event, is Dr. James’ personal story which started it.  He impleted the program in his schools after his nephew died from alcohol poisoning in 1996.  His nephew had been out with the boys to celebrate before they all headed out to college.  Dr. James says the teen passed out on a buddy’s couch, and never woke up.  From this tragedy comes a personal passion to not see this happen to any other family.  It’s clear that Dr. James cares about kids… and their futures.