Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias and the Law Squad recently joined Farmingdale High School Principal Glen Zakian, school officials, parents and eager prom-goers for the school's annual pre-prom meetings. The meetings were aimed at educating parents and students on how to have a safe and fun prom experience.

Leg. Mejias also discussed the social host legislation he recently sponsored that was passed unanimously by the Nassau County Legislature. The social host law allows for the criminal prosecution of adult party hosts found to be serving alcohol to underage guests.

"Prom is the culmination of years of hard work, studying, and dedication towards receiving a high school diploma," Mejias said. "It is extremely important that students and parents celebrate this momentous occasion safely and responsibly. These meetings serve as a reminder that underage drinking and pre-prom parties where alcohol is served by adults are illegal every day of the year, including prom night."

Members of the Law Squad were also on hand, detailing the dangers of underage drinking and the punishments carried under the social host law. Founded in 2002 by Mineola attorney Oscar Michelen, the Law Squad is a not-for- profit organization that presents free seminars to teens and their parents on issues involving risky behavior and the legal system.

According to the Law Squad website, www.www.thelawsquad.com, "parents and school administrators can do a number of things to address common prom night problems. Making parents and teens aware of club drugs, such as ecstasy and ketamine, requiring parents and teens to sign pledges of proper behavior and making the limousine company put a 'no alcohol' clause in their contract are a few precautionary measures that can reduce risks and incidents."

The Law Squad brings a panel of experts, including a judge, police officer and an experienced lawyer, to schools to discuss such topics as prom problems, underage drinking and driving, club/date rape drugs and Internet safety. The highly popular program reaches out to over a dozen schools each year. It seeks to raise community awareness of these issues and to help guide parents to solutions to these and other problems involving their high school aged children.

"I am confident that with a combination of smart parenting, advice from law enforcement professionals, and kids taking responsibility for their safety and that of their friends, everyone will enjoy a safe and memorable prom," Mejias said.