Scott City R-1 remembers student in safe and sober program, receives check for efforts

SPRINGFIELD, MO. -- Fifty-three percent of students at Scott City R-1 signed a pledge this spring to not drink alcohol before they turn 21. Safe and Sober, a nonprofit founded in 2004, rewarded Scott City R-1 and its students this week for their participation in the program by giving them a check for $500.

Safe and Sober is funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation and private donations. The free program provided pledge cards and dynamic video content depicting reasons to abstain from underage drinking. One incentive for schools to participate in the 2014 program was a check reward for the schools with the highest pledge rates -- both in division and overall categories.

Scott City R-1 completed the Safe and Sober program the week of prom, shortly after experiencing the tragic loss of senior Dominic Hooper on Feb. 23 after an ATV accident. While his accident and drinking were not related in any way, the Safe and Sober program struck close to the students' hearts, and they were inspired to live sober lives. While the school did not use the video clips in an attempt to avoid stirring up the pain from such a recent loss, they utilized the pledge cards and other program materials.

"The powerful mantra was 'Do it for Dom' and I believe our students wanted to strive to reach his example of positive living and a positive impact on our school," LaDonna Pratt, counselor at Scott City R-1, said. "Dominic's sober influence, as well as the students making a written commitment, was a combination that had a very real impact. Our students know firsthand that life is short and each moment is important."

Safe and Sober is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Missouri high school and middle school students and parents on the dangers of underage drinking and drinking and driving. For more information call 417-890-6677 or visit missourisafeandsober.com.