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Stevenson students, retailers police team for Sticker Shock

In an effort to prevent underage drinking and promote healthy futures for students, Stevenson High School Catalyst students, retailers, and local police departments are collaborating again this winter for Project Sticker Shock.

Project Sticker Shock is designed to reach adults who might purchase alcohol and provide it to minors. Bottle hangers and posters warning about the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors are placed on beer, wine, seltzers and store walls.

The project represents a partnership between youth, retailers, concerned parents and community members, prevention professionals, and law enforcement with the goal of raising public awareness about underage drinking.

Leading this year's Sticker Shock event is Stevenson High School's Catalyst Youth Activism Committee, led by senior Lukas Garcia.

"Sticker Shock is a campaign and collaboration between young substance abuse activists, retailers, and local police to spread awareness of social host laws regarding underage alcohol abuse in our community," Garcia said.

"Its importance is complex; not only does it greatly inform our community about knowledge that is commonly overlooked, but it brings our community together under the banner of preventing further substance abuse.

"My favorite part about the Sticker Shock event is the interaction and collaboration with the police department. Not only do they physically protect our community on a daily basis, but taking part in Sticker Shock shows that they also are taking initiative to prevent alcohol-related incidents. Their help is not only very much appreciated, but also makes the experience a lot more enjoyable."

"Sticker Shock is an example of the great coalition work in action," said Dr. Cristina Cortesi, Stevenson High School's Substance Abuse Prevention coordinator and Catalyst co-sponsor.

"Stand Strong engages local law enforcement, youth, parents and the business community in collective action toward the shared goal of youth substance prevention. Though this work is important every day, it is especially important around the holidays and during the pandemic.

"It is critical during this time that parents consider how their own use and accessibility of substances in the home may impact teen use," Cortesi said.

"Sticker Shock is simply a reminder to parents that they are the number one reason why youth choose not to use. Research is clear that you should not attempt to train your teen to drink responsibly, but you can set the standard by reducing accessibility, being a positive role model, following the law and setting clear, nonuse expectations for your teen."

Participants thanked Catalyst Club, Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Buffalo Grove Police Department, Lincolnshire Police Department, Vernon Hills Police Department, Lake County Sheriff's Office, Bonta Pizzeria & Restaurant, Walgreens, Mariano's, Woodman's, Jewel-Osco, Sunset Foods, 7-Eleven, BP America, CITGO Fueling Good, Shell, Exxon & Mobil, Walmart and Foremost Liquors for participating this year.

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