David Janoff

First, it was room capacity and the potential fire hazard it provoked. We solved that. Next, it was the substance abuse it involved; however, I do not think a solution will be found. It has recently been confirmed that MHS’s famous (or infamous) Coast dance at the Harbor Island Pavilion is no longer. This is not because the majority of those who attended the dance were intoxicated, but because a small minority exhibited inconsiderate behavior and ruined it for all grades. 

Dating back to 2007, the Coast had been an opportunity for students to take a welcome break from their academic studies and socialize at a popular school event. For a mere five dollars, students were able to dance, spend time with friends and enjoy the loud music provided by a private DJ company.

            In society today, alcohol consumption is one of the most deadly and controversial issues regarding the youth of the community. It is virtually impossible to prevent teens from experimenting with judgment-altering substances, yet why should everyone suffer as a result of a few people’s bad judgment? Yes, we acknowledge that the school district does not want to host a function where students are intoxicated, but wouldn’t the school administration rather have students under adult supervision than among their peers, unsupervised, at a house party?

            What’s next? Will the cancelation of the Coast have a domino effect, putting the futures of junior and senior prom in jeopardy? Will the assumption that students will intoxicate themselves prior to school events prompt more cancellations? The school district has argued that a breathalyzer would be a valid way of avoiding this issue, but many feel it is an invasion of students’ space and privacy. It is well known that teenagers exhibit poor judgment on weekends. This is a product of the environment in which we live.

            In essence, these obstacles are beyond our control. The key factor here and the main argument that must be addressed is: would you rather have students experiment with drugs in privacy, where, if something goes wrong, a student could potentially lose his or her life? Or would you rather it occurs at school functions such as Coast, where adult authority and police are present. We all realize that substance abuse is dangerous and immature, but should the indictment of a few students warrant permanent cancellation of popular event?