ORLANDO, Fla. – Students at the Winter Springs High School prom being held at SeaWorld Orlando were taken to the hospital on Saturday evening after getting drunk, according to Seminole County Public Schools.
A spokesperson for the school district said that “some students snuck in small containers of alcohol concealed in clothing and proceeded to get drunk.”
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According to the spokesperson, the students in question then became sick and were taken to the hospital.
Four students were taken to the hospital and were doing well as of Sunday morning while four other students were sent home, according to the district, adding the prom continued as scheduled.
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“Those involved in these actions have been identified, and proper disciplinary actions will be taken. SCPS will not tolerate this type of behavior at any of our school events,” the district’s response said in part.
Prior to the event, Winter Springs High School Principal Peter Gaffney emailed students and parents highlighting safety, saying in part, “Our main priority for tonight is SAFETY. I cannot stress this enough. Students, please make sure that you understand that. Be smart! Make good choices prior to, during and after Prom.”
Gaffney then sent another email to parents after the incident. It can be read below:
Dear Winter Springs Families,
“I am writing to share a disappointing update with you. As you may be aware, tonight, Winter Springs High is having our prom at SeaWorld. Unfortunately, we had several students who were involved in sneaking in small containers of alcohol and others who showed up to this event inebriated. This is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous. A few students have been transported to the hospital due to alcohol consumption.
Those responsible for this behavior have been identified, parents were contacted, and proper disciplinary action will be taken. The prom will continue as scheduled; however, we will have increased police presence to discourage any further behaviors that are illegal or against our student code of conduct. This is not how we envisioned this evening, but the safety of all students is our highest priority, and this kind of behavior cannot and will not be tolerated.
I would like to ask for your assistance in speaking with your student about the dangers of this kind of behavior and the possible outcomes beyond disciplinary actions taken at the school level.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
Principal Gaffney"
Principal Peter Gaffney
News 6 reached out to Orange County Fire Rescue for more information, but has not yet heard back.
