Riverhead High School, Community Partners Prepare Students and Families for Safe Prom and Graduation Season
Meetings Promote Healthy and Informed Decision Making
RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK (JUNE 2025)—The Riverhead Central School District recently partnered with Riverhead Community Awareness Program, Inc. (CAP), Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC), and the Riverhead Police Department for its annual prom safety meetings to prepare students and their families for the anticipated night of festivities. Since 2017, this coalition has partnered to provide Riverhead High School families with crucial information to support healthy decision making and prevent youth substance use during prom and graduation season.
“The mandatory pre-prom meetings are the culmination of years-long prevention education provided by Riverhead CAP and the Riverhead Central School District,” said Riverhead CAP prevention supervisor Cynthia Redmond. “We value our community partners and appreciate all opportunities to educate students and families about the risks and consequences of youth substance use. It is our hope that the graduating seniors know this is a community that cares deeply about their health, safety, and happiness.”
Riverhead High School students were required to attend one of two safety meetings with a parent or guardian in order to purchase a prom ticket. This year, 537 students, parents, and guardians participated in the meetings.
“Peconic Bay Medical Center is proud to once again stand alongside the Riverhead Central School District to champion the health, safety, and futures of our young people,” said Dr. Ninfa Mehta, chair of emergency medicine at PBMC. “As healthcare professionals, we see firsthand how quickly celebrations can turn tragic without proper precautions. These meetings are a vital part of our shared commitment to keeping students safe during this exciting season, and we are honored to provide the resources, education, and support that can make a real difference in their lives.”
Dr. Mehta and PBMC emergency physician Dr. Megan Slowey explained the impact alcohol and marijuana can have on developing adolescent brains, the short-term and long-term effects of substance use, and what to do if someone is experiencing a medical emergency related to substance use.
“This partnership reflects who we are as a hospital, deeply connected to the community and committed to protecting its future,” said Amy Loeb, EdD, MBA, RN, PBMC president. “We are especially grateful to Dr. Mehta and Dr. Slowey for helping lead these conversations and for the strong relationship we have built with Riverhead schools to ensure students are not only celebrated but safeguarded as well.”
Riverhead Police Department lieutenant Dino Isgro and sergeant James Welsh discussed legal risks associated with underage drinking and substance use, including the penalties for possessing and using fake IDs to purchase alcohol and for driving while intoxicated, specifically the Zero Tolerance Law and Leandra’s Law. They also addressed the Social Host Law, which prohibits anyone over the age of 18 from knowingly providing or allowing underage drinking or drug use on their property. Those who violate this law can be charged with a misdemeanor, with penalties up to and including fines and/or jail time.
Each student who attended one of the meetings received a free gift bag with class of 2025 merchandise. Free prom tickets, courtesy of Riverhead CAP and PBMC, were also raffled off.
For more information about the Riverhead Central School District, please visit the district’s website at www.riverhead.net. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/riverheadCSD. #BlueWavesPride.
From left, Riverhead Police Department sergeant James Welsh, PBMC chair of emergency medicine Dr. Ninfa Mehta, and Riverhead Police Department lieutenant Dino Isgro at the first prom safety meeting
From left, Riverhead Police Department sergeant James Welsh, PBMC emergency physician Dr. Megan Slowey, and Riverhead High School assistant principal Dorene Mongiello at the second prom safety meeting
Riverhead High School senior class advisor Riley McHugh prepares students and families for prom at the first safety meeting
From left, Riverhead High School assistant principal Jon LaRochester, Riverhead Police Department sergeant James Welsh, and lieutenant Dino Isgro at the first prom safety meeting
PBMC chair of emergency medicine Dr. Ninfa Mehta conveys the health risks of underage drinking and substance use to students, parents, and guardians
PBMC emergency physician Dr. Megan Slowey provides Riverhead High School seniors and their families with crucial health information to support a safe prom and graduation season
Riverhead Police Department sergeant James Welsh, left, and lieutenant Dino Isgro, right, discuss the legal consequences of underage drinking and substance use