Prom season is just around the corner! In our on-going effort to keep students safe and substance free, the Knoxville Police Department is hosting Prom Challenge, Thursday, April 5, 2007. In its sixth year, this event promises to be the best yet.

The Prom Challenge is offered free of charge to all area high school students and guests. The focus of this event is to educate area youth in a fun and inviting atmosphere about the dangers of underage drinking and driving under the influence. Our keynote speaker is Blake McMeans. In 1994 he was a world-class tennis player at UT. Blake has a powerful message our teens will take to heart. In addition, the event features the Metropolitan Drug Coalition's Prevention Theater in "Menace," a mini-driving course using golf carts and Fatal Vision goggles, a field sobriety test, as well as information from emergency medical personnel.

We also offer positive, fun activities with local bands and the "Wheel of Misfortune" game. Our area's own Jarron Vosburg (appearing in "Cory in the House" and "Zoey 101") will be Master of Ceremonies. Students win door prizes, including gift certificates for meals, hairstyles, manicures, tuxedos and other prom related items. Free T-shirts and Buddy's bar-b-q to the first 250 students.

As a community, we cannot do enough to promote safe, responsible actions to our teenagers. What a great community effort is going into this event! Sponsors and partners include the City of Knoxville, KPD, Governor's Highway Safety Office, East Tennessee Children's Hospital, AAA of East Tennessee, Metropolitan Drug Commission, student support from SADD and PRIDE, and donations from community merchants. Please join us!

If you have any questions please contact Janice Gangwer, Training Specialist, Safety Education Unit Knoxville Police Department 865-215-8624.