The junior and senior prom attendees kicked off Prom Promise Week with a field trip to TCI (Trumbull Correctional Institute) on May 11. This trip was a combined effort to encourage students to make positive choices and learn about the consequences of poor choices. The students were able to tour the facility, make inquiries about the profession of a corrections officer, and gain an understanding of the repercussions of negative actions/choices through visual presentations and discussions. Students asked engaging questions and had a well-rounded discussion. The trip concluded with a stop for lunch then students returned to the school just in time for the bell. Students relayed the trip was interesting, enlightening, and the information provided was valuable.
Jackson-Milton High School takes students on educational tours to the Mahoning County Jail to teach them about the consequences of poor choices. These trips are designed to help students better understand the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and criminal behavior by allowing them to hear real-life experiences from inmates and see what life in jail is actually like. The goal of the program is to encourage students to make responsible decisions and avoid situations that could negatively affect their future.
During the visit, inmates shared personal stories about how their choices led them to lose their freedom and damage relationships with their families and friends. Many explained that they were once regular students who participated in sports, had good grades, and planned for successful futures. However, experimenting with drugs and alcohol eventually led them down the wrong path and caused them to end up in jail. They warned students that even one bad decision can have life-changing consequences and affect not only themselves but also the people around them.
The sheriff’s office believes these tours are important because they give students a realistic look at the legal system and the impact of poor decisions. The program especially focuses on helping students stay safe during important school events, such as prom season, when peer pressure and risky behavior may become more common. Students who attended the tour described the experience as eye-opening and emotional, saying it made them think more carefully about their choices and future goals. Overall, the jail tour was meant to educate students, spread awareness, and encourage them to make positive decisions in their everyday lives.
