By Shawn Doyle/Tribune Editorial Staff

Graduation is a word that seems to have a mixed meaning to students and their parents.

The thought of leaving high school behind and beginning a new chapter in their lives often often stirs excitement in high school seniors. On the flip side, though, parents are often left feeling a little sad.

The same could be said of graduation night. To the students, it is a time to celebrate and enjoy themselves - after 13 years of school, it is over. It's an event to be cherished and looked back upon with a warm feeling.

To parents, though, it can be a time for concern.

Lets look at some facts that surround high school graduation night. In Lawrence County, many parties will be thrown and, yes, alcohol will probably be served at a lot of them.

I know all of you teen-agers out there are sick and tired of hearing the same old cliches. Just say no. Don't drink and drive. Know when to say when. Those slogans were around when I graduated from high school 13 years ago, and I still hear them today. I got tired of hearing them when I was young.

That doesn't mean these cliches do not still have meaning. These words, like it or not, are true. They are important, and they also have been known to save a life or two.

We've all seen the grisly pictures, read the same articles in newspapers and magazines and seen the images on television. Each time, we shake our heads and say, "What a shame." Unfortunately, many of us still take the risks knowing what

the consequences could be.

Who am I to tell teens to behave on graduation night? Am I out of line? I don't think so. It hasn't been all that long ago since I was in your shoes.

But now I am a parent, so I will preach at grown-ups now. Parents need to share in the responsibility

with making sure your son or daughter makes it home safe on graduation night. It's easy to tell your child to know their limit and pace themselves, but it is more appropriate to say, "Hey, when you are ready to come home, give me a call and I will pick you up." My parents did it for me on graduation night.

At the same time, all of you seniors are to be congratulated. A major chapter in your life is now complete. Just be careful out there so you are around to begin your next one.