Underage drinking, a father's story April 15 at Forest View

Doug Petit knows firsthand how underage drinking could have devastating consequences and will speak to parents on this at an event called "Making Good Choices: Underage Drinking-A Father's Story" on Monday, April 15.

From 7 to 8 p.m. at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights, Petit will share his touching story about underage drinking, how the choices we make have an impact on our lives and the importance of making smart decisions and also working together to understand that our actions really do matter.

"As a father who lost a son due to some poor choices he made, I know all too well that you can't have the conversation enough with your teen that the use of alcohol is clearly forbidden," said Petit.

Petit's son, Jonathan, went to a festival with a friend, but later went to a party at the home of a mom known as "the cool mom." His body was eventually found in a Carol Stream retention pond. At the time of his death in June 2005, Jonathan completed his sophomore year at Glenbard North High School and was on the wrestling and football teams.

"It helps me honor my son when I share my story," said Petit. "He was a great kid who made some poor choices on the last night of his too-short life. To go through the loss of a child in a manner that is so totally avoidable is gut-wrenching. I am honored each and every time I am asked to speak."

Petit said there's no such thing as training your teens to drink alcohol. "Supervised drinking is a myth, he said. "The teen brain is not wired to process alcohol. The longer you can delay the use of alcohol, the better the chance your teen will have a long and healthy life. It's just that simple."

"Every day I wake up I think of him and just know I have to continue this effort," said Petit, who said he has met many wonderful people while on this journey. "Every hug, every thank you, every kind gesture spurs me forward. Despite suffering the worst of losses, I assuredly know I am a lucky guy to be giving back."

Petit has talked to dozens of first time DuPage County DUI/underage drinking offenders at the Youth Victim Impact Panel and has a part-time job that brings him to the DuPage County Courthouse to observe DUI and felony alcohol and drug-related driving adjudications.

The event at Forest View Educational Center on April 15 is part of the District 214 Future Ready Parent Series, in partnership with District 214 Community Education, dedicated to providing comprehensive community topics and education to ensure parent readiness for tomorrow's challenges

The event is free but registration is required. Visit ce.d214.org or call the District 214 Community Education office at 847-718-7700 to register.