MADERA - Like the night before a senior class from a Madera high school took to Lee DaSilva Field at Memorial Stadium for another graduation. Friday night is was Madera South High School's turn and with more graduating seniors they were able to finish their ceremonies a half hour faster than their 115 year old counter-part.

The fourth graduating class from Madera South stepped towards their future as one of their vice principals, Bob Madison, ended his career with retirement from Madera Unified. Over 500 seniors accepted their diplomas and went off to start the life's or put that on hold until after college while their parents and friends watched in the standing room only stadium.

Madera Unified Superintendent Gustavo Balderas gave the address and Lindsey Tasos, Luis Mancillas, Carla Johnson and Mona Yusuf gave the student speeches.

Following the graduation the seniors descended onto Centennial Park for the CHP Sober Graduation (more below). The graduation ceremony was capped off with a firework celebration.

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Graduation is a season for celebration.  It's also a time for sober acknowledgment by every grad that the accomplishments of a lifetime and the promise of the future can be erased instantly when drinking and driving are combined.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) wants every member of the class of 2012 to "Make It To Your Future!" safely.

"The Sober Graduation message is an honest, sincere and candid one that is borne of the experience of too many high school grads who celebrated by drinking and driving and whose lives were changed forever, or ended, as a result," said Lt. Paris, commander of the CHP's Madera Area office.  "As you celebrate your graduation from high school, remember that drinking and driving are a deadly combination."

Like the class of 2012, the Sober Grad program has evolved in communities throughout California through its 27 years of learning and experience that began during the graduation season of 1985.  Students, parents, teachers, and the CHP teamed to produce events that highlight teen success and provide a safe environment for celebration where young people can have fun without risking their lives and those of others by drinking, using drugs, and driving.

An example of a popular Sober Grad activity is an all night-long party on graduation night.  Students and their friends pledge to stay through the end of the party and abstain from all alcohol and other mind-altering substances.  Parents, educators, and students make arrangement for food, dancing, entertainment - even breakfast the morning after the party.  Other communities produce innovative, unique events that mirror students' goals, objectives, and future plans.

"Sober Grad in our area this year is the product of student’s imagination with support from parents, educators, and other participants," said Lt. Paris.  "We're proud to help teens with an appealing alternative to drinking, drugs and driving at the end of the school year."

For those young people who would ignore the cautions of their peers, parents, and others with greater life experience, and who still choose to drink, use drugs and drive, the CHP has another clear message: "We'll provide the chaser."

"The difference between tragedy and triumph at graduation is a measure of a young person's maturity," Lt. Paris said.  "No better opportunity exists for grads to show that they can manage the responsibilities of young adulthood to which they graduate than by staying sober, so everyone can "Make It To Your Future!"