SIKESTON – The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety recently awarded grant funding to local schools that will hold student lock-in events for Project Prom or High School Graduation. Schools will receive $200 each to assist with event expenses such as location rental, food or entertainment. Event must include a presentation or activity educating students on highway safety issues within their night’s agenda to qualify for the grant.
“These supervised events provide a safe, fun environment for students to celebrate their special event with friends,” said Southeast District Traffic Engineer Craig Compas. “Lives can be changed in seconds by a bad decision like drinking and driving. We want these special events and milestones to be filled with good memories and unmarred by tragedy.”
Compas explained that many substance-impaired drivers are under the age of 21.
Thirty-five high schools from 22 counties in southeast and south-central Missouri received the grant. Schools will also be receiving roadway safety educational items to share with students.
For additional information, contact Southeast Coalition Representative Ashley Metelski at (573) 472-5885 or MoDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT