By Ciara R., BGC of Greater Houston with an assist from Catherine B., BGC of Manchester (N.H.) 

It’s finally here! That special night you’ve been anticipating since the beginning of high school—Prom! Whether you’re with a group of good friends or accompanied by a romantic date, you look forward to having a memorable night.

You’ve been tossed dead center into a Prom-tastic frenzy! Who has time to worry about safety, when there are reservations to be made, limo rides to confirm and outfits to buy? But before you run out the door for your night of dancing bliss, remember these three basic but crucial safety tips:

Don’t be a party pooper! It’s never fun to be dragged (…or to drag anyone else) into an activity you (…or they) are not comfortable with such as: doing drugs (marijuana, serenity, bars, etc.). Strict no-no! Never put yourself in a situation you’ll regret. If your friends are pressuring you into doing anything you know is unhealthy, or wrong -- WALK AWAY! Hook up with another group, a group that is doing what you enjoy. Keep in mind that this is your night to remember! Ditch the crackpots: they’re party poopers!

Make sure you get it! So yeah, it was funny in American Pie when four teenage boys made a pact to lose their virginity during prom night. But let’s be honest with ourselves -- this is the real world, real consequences. Many lives have been ruined by date rape, teenage pregnancies and STD’s, all because a person felt that sex with that special someone would make the night more magical. Make sure you get it -- understand that sex doesn’t perfect the prom experience. (BTW: Plastic can’t protect! Even the most approved brands of condoms can’t protect you from Chlamydia, Syphilis, Scabies, Hepatitis or other STDs. Plus, like graham crackers, condoms break all the time.)

You’re celebrating, have a drink! Drink a coke and have a smile! If that doesn’t work for you, have a cold glass of tea, a bottle of water, PowerAde, a virgin margarita, milk, fruit juice —anything non-alcoholic! Drinking may seem like the perfect way to celebrate prom night, but the celebration can easily turn into a night in handcuffs, a night in the hospital, or even worse -- a night at the morgue. (Fact: Nearly 13% of all fatal car crashes involve alcohol, and of these, 40% involve intoxicated teen drivers.) When celebrating, have a drink that won’t put you on the 9 o’clock news.

These tips may seem like a lot to take in, or even an exaggeration. Still, keep in mind that while you’re floating on Cloud Nine during prom night, you are still prone to the many dangers of drug usage, sexual activity and alcohol consumption. It’s strongly encouraged that you make wise choices for your own good. (Remember: the right choice isn’t always popular, and the poplar choice isn’t always right)

Lastly, the most important tip of all:

GO WILD! Dance until you need an aspirin the size of Texas to soothe your aching knees. Laugh until your tummy hurts, or you burst into tears. Take enough pictures to overwhelm Facebook. Have the kind of fun that you brag about years.

Be safe. It’s your attitude and choices that’ll make prom a night to remember!