Seniors Get Life Skills Refresher as Part of Advisory Curriculum

On Wednesday, October 24, Tampa Bay area criminal defense attorney Jay Hebert (father to Andrew '12) addressed the Class of 2019 as part of the senior class "Life Skills" advisory curriculum. He discussed the legal ramifications of unsafe or illegal behaviors that sometimes tempt teens and young adults including drinking and driving, using fake IDs, vaping and illegal drug use. His practical and real-world talk explained that 1 gram of THC oil in a vape pen found on a minor could result in a felony charge yielding five years in jail along with a booking photo online forever, and one drink means a DUI for an underage drinker when caught. With his college-bound audience in mind, Mr. Herbert gave examples of former clients who'd made mistakes that cost them their college acceptance, in addition to the legal repercussions of the behaviors.

Mr. Hebert warned students that even though they may feel invincible they are at risk of a deadly car crash every day that they take a sip of alcohol, and that they are participating in a drug deal any time they get an illegal substance. He also gave a simple but strong message about sexual consent: when someone says no to any sexual activity, the sexual overtures stop there. Otherwise, it may be sexual assault or sexual coercion.

His final message was looking to the future. "Get up in the morning and like what you do," he said. "Whatever you do, be passionate about it. Be safe out there."