Alcohol, drugs, lead NH high school to cancel dances

EXETER, N.H. (WHDH) -- With prom season in full swing, students at Exeter High School in New Hampshire will have to save the last dance. School leaders are cancelling future dances following some bad behavior by the students.

Prom is still on at Exeter High School, but regular dances are off for the rest of the year.

“My concern is that I don't think the dances are safe anymore,” said Exeter N.H. High School Principal Victor Sokul.

After seven drinking or drug violations at the last dance, the principal said no more.

Some say it's punishing everyone for the sins of the few.

“I don't agree with it. Dances are a fun way for kids to get together. And they're going to drink anywhere,” said Olivia Stephenson, a student.

“Don't punish the entire student body. You’re only in high school once. This is part of high school,” said Pam Goldsmith, a parent.

"I don’t think they shouldn’t cancel dances because of this. They should ban the kids who are drinking from the dances it's more fair to everyone else,” said Jack McElwee, a student.

But the current senior class president agrees with the decision.

“I think a message needs to be sent to the entire student body because it is getting out of hand with the dances so I think it was the right decision by the principal,” said Allison Babcock, senior class president.

“I hate group punishments because it's not fair to the rest of the kids. But what we're doing is not working. We need a breather and so do the kids,” said Exeter N.H. High School Principal Victor Sokul.

The junior and senior proms are still on. The school holds four to six other open dances throughout the year. The final one of those has been cancelled.

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