Teen’s alcohol fair warns others of drinking dangers

BRIDGEWATER — Sam Hofer is only 17, but she’s already seen firsthand the problems than can come with alcohol abuse.

“I have a friend who had horrible drinking problems. I’ve seen what my friend had to go through,” Hofer said. “It just inspired me to inform other students on how bad it can be.”

It was that inspiration that led Hofer, of Bridgewater, to host an Alcohol Awareness Fair designed to deter teenagers from consuming alcohol or driving under the influence.

Students from Bridgewater, Parker, Emery and Hanson schools attended the fair Wednesday, viewing booths from area legal, medical and alcohol-treatment entities.

The fair was the brainchild of Hofer, who made the event her senior project. The fair coincided with national Alcohol Awareness Month.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol, Avera Queen of Peace, Davison County Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell Public Safety Communication, Mitchell Public Safety Paramedic, McCook County State’s Attorney and Stepping Stones Rehabilitation Services each had tables set up within the school.

Outside, students had a chance to drive a golf cart while wearing goggles that simulated driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.20, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

On the school’s football field, students spoke with the crew of the Avera McKennan Careflight helicopter.

Marlene Haines, communications supervisor for the 911 center in Mitchell, said the fair was good exposure for kids about the real consequences of alcohol abuse.

It was also timely, given that spring is the time for proms and other gatherings where the temptation to consume alcohol can be stronger.

“It just brings a heightened awareness to the effects of alcohol and driving under the influence,” Haines said. “Those things can … affect the rest of your life.”

Dave Eich, physical education and health teacher, was Hofer’s mentor for the project. He’s proud of the work Hofer has done, especially considering that underage drinking is a serious problem in much of the state.

“I think it’s an issue throughout … all the small schools and towns,” Eich said.

Hofer, who started working on the project in October, said she hopes that some teenagers will think twice about consuming alcohol because of the fair.

“I hope they understand that there’s more to life than drinking,” Hofer said. “There’s always more to life than that.”

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