Proms have been a rite of passage for many years, but students today are finding out the event is more than just fancy clothes and dancing the night away.
Attendees now often have to deal with possibly taking Breathalyzer tests at the door, spending $500 or more in expenses and worrying about standing out from the crowd when finding a date.
Students at Pleasanton's Foothill High School will travel to the Regency Center in San Francisco tonight for their senior ball.
With stereotypes of teen drinking and debauchery surrounding prom night, both Pleasanton high schools have taken steps to prevent problems that might arise.
"This is a school event, and with that comes school expectations," said Foothill Principal Kevin Johnson.
Before purchasing the $70 tickets, students and their parents were required to sign a "senior ball agreement" that they will not "use drugs and alcohol prior to, during or after the senior ball."
The form also states that if students violate the agreement,they will not be able to participate in school activities for the rest of the year -- including graduation ceremonies
At the door, administrators and teachers will try to chat with all students as a way of detecting any sign of being under the influence, Johnson said.
