This spring, the schools will be sending their graduating seniors out into the real world. Some may be sad to see them go, some may be glad. The students probably look at it in the same way. Whatever the case, it can be an exciting and emotional time for school staff, families, and of course, the graduates.

Many celebrations will take place like ceremonies, parties, gatherings, congratulations from the community, welcoming the graduates into the adult world. There will be a lot of excitement and activities taking place to celebrate. Some of these may be organized and monitored by responsible adults, others by young people who maybe don’t have responsibility at the top of their priority list.

The top of this priority list probably includes things like letting loose, getting a little wild and crazy, and having a night to remember. This is what concerns both law enforcement and parents.

The last thing anyone wants is to be involved in some type of tragic incident. No one wants to see a prom related celebration turn into a nightmare. But it happens. Let’s all do our part and step in a little to lessen the odds of one of these celebrations from going south.

As adults and parents, we should organize only safe and responsible graduation parties that are monitored. Under no circumstances should we allow underage people to consume any alcohol. If you allow a cottage or camp to be used as a gathering spot where kids can hang out to celebrate, set strict ground rules. There should be zero tolerance for any alcohol, drugs or any type of reckless behavior.

We should monitor it by personally checking in periodically. If you, for some reason, choose otherwise and permit any of these behaviors, you are putting these kids and yourself at risk. Also, there are huge liabilities to consider, both civil and criminal. So do the right thing.

If you give your graduate some extra latitude, extend their curfew, let them travel somewhere, or let them stay overnight, and make sure you provide them with reasonable but clear expectations. Know where they are going, who they’ll be with, when they’ll be back, etc. Maybe have some “check-in” times.

Maybe have them agree to a pledge of not using any alcohol, drugs, or being around anyone that is. Make them assure you that they will not, under any circumstances, get in a vehicle with anyone who may have consumed these substances, or has been driving carelessly. Assure them that with a simple phone call, you will happily come get them without reading them the riot act.

For you graduates, if you make any agreements with your folks, keep them. Do not violate this. If they put trust in you and loosen the reins so you can go out and have a great time, keep the promises you made. This is important as you’re merging on the road to being a responsible adult.

If you are out and about celebrating and what have you, make good decisions. You may be out having a great time, letting loose, and trying to experience a night to remember, but keep your head on straight.

Slow down and think before doing something you may regret. Keep away from the alcohol, marijuana and other drugs.

Drive responsibly and don’t take stupid chances. Keep an eye on your friends and look out for each other.

Remember also, if you choose to broadcast your festivities or actions over social media, just about anybody can view it. Once it’s out there, there is no getting it back. The consequences for posting certain things could catch up with you. If not embarrassing, it could be illegal.

If you see something going on that you know is wrong or could turn ugly, do something about it. Step up and do the right thing.

Sometimes young people get a bad rap from adults for making bad decisions. Though this is true, there are also many young people out there making good decisions and helping their peers to do the same.

Be one of these people. You are entering the adult world now, and we need people like you in our communities.

On behalf of the Michigan State Police, Calumet Post, we would like to congratulate the graduating classes of 2017 in Keweenaw, Houghton, and Baraga counties. We wish you the best of luck and a bright future.

Matt Djerf is the community service trooper for the Michigan State Police-Calumet Post.