Louise prom rolls out red carpet without any drunken stumbles
"No one tripped up on their breathing," - Superintendent Andy Peters
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com
Louise High School prom attendees passed a unique test with flying colors before they entered their "Red Carpet Evening" Saturday night.

Contriubted Photo Prom Royalty Sarah Williamson and Jesus Garcia were elected as queen and king of the 2008 Louise High School prom.

For the first time, students attending the prom were required to pass an alcohol breath test before entering the formal dance.

"It was a wonderful prom - no incidents," Louise ISD Superintendent Andy Peters said. "No one tripped up on their breathing."

The tests, which took only a few seconds to take, were administered by David Cremeens of Driving Safety Services of El Campo.

Peters announced his intention not only to conduct the breathalyzer tests, but to have a drug dog sweep the school's interior and parking areas on prom night earlier last week.

He said the testing, which cost the district less than $500, was not based on any sort of current difficulty, but rather over issues with a couple of problem students and the county's history of teen driving accidents.

Just Blow Kristen Johnson blows into a breath-alcohol device held by David Cremeens of Driving Safety Services in El Campo before she enters the Louise High prom Saturday night. Every student attending the event was required to be tested prior to entering the school gym, and once inside, were not allowed to leave the building until the dance ended. Johnson, 15, is the daughter of John and Melanie Hart. For additional coverage of the Louise Prom, Please see the Lifestyle Today Second on Page 6-C. L-N Photo by Brenda Sommer

Peters said he received no complaints from students or parents about the testing, and many parents called to offer their support of the move.

"All of my calls have been positive," he said.

In fact, Peters was so pleased with the outcome, he may require alcohol breath tests again.

"I might do it for graduation, too," he said. "We will just have to wait and see."

El Campo ISD does not require similar tests for its prom, but El Campo High Principal Rich DuBroc has said he doesn't oppose the idea.

El Campo High School will hold its prom on Saturday, May 17.