I can’t believe how fast the year is going! Can you believe it’s March? St. Patrick’s Day is a time for wearing green and celebrating with friends and family. I love seeing our community having fun… but remember safety isn’t just luck! There are things you can do to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

Make Smart Choices: If you’re under 21, alcohol is not for you. Underage drinking can lead to trouble with the law, unsafe situations, and consequences that can affect your future goals like sports, scholarships and jobs. Being a leader means knowing when to say no. And if you’re over 21… remember to make good choices, have a designated driver or call a ride service. Keep yourself and everyone else safe!

Stay in Your Pack: I never wander off without my people, and you shouldn’t either. Stick with trusted friends and family when you’re out celebrating and make sure you leave together. Always keep your phone charged and it doesn’t hurt to share your location with someone you trust.

Be Aware: Make sure you report any suspicious activity and pay close attention to keeping wallets, purses, and phones secure. Large crowds can be really distracting so we need to be careful nothing is lost or stolen. Also think before you post or party! Remember the things you post can last forever, so if you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers, or a police officer to see it, it’s probably not a good idea to post it.

St. Patrick’s Day should be full of smiles, laughter, and safe celebrations. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave. There is always a safe adult or officer ready to help. Remember, the best kind of “luck” comes from making good decisions.

Remember everyone, stay safe, the Leo way!

~Leo