Police look out for teen drinkers during graduation season.

MARQUETTE -- As the bell rings and school lets out for the summer, students will naturally want to celebrate.  For some it means parties and alcohol.  Nearly half of Marquette and Alger County high school seniors who responded to a 2008 survey say they've used alcohol at least once in the last 30 days.

And from June 2008 to June 2009, the Marquette County Prosecutor's office said there were 108 minor in possession cases for teens under the age of 17.

In fact over this last Memorial Day weekend, alcohol abuse, in separate instances, sent six juveniles to Marquette General and Bell Hospitals.  One nearly died.

"All the minors were charged with minor in possession,” said Matt Wiese, Chief Assistant for the Prosecutor Attorney.  “And with reference to how they got the alcohol, we’re not certain about that quite yet.  I know it's under investigation."

According to the 2008 Great Lakes Center for Youth Development survey, of the 1,788 Marquette and Alger County teens responding, 44 percent said it is very easy to get alcohol.

The survey also found most teens don't get their alcohol from relatives.
  - 56 percent say they get their alcohol from someone they know, but not a relative.
  - 13 percent get alcohol from a relative.
  - 12 percent drink alcohol with permission from a parent.
  - 9 percent take alcohol from their parents without permission.
  - 5 percent buy alcohol from a store.
  - 4 percent get alcohol from a stranger

"People who provide the alcohol can face considerable jail time just for providing alcohol,” said Sgt. Dave Kent with the Marquette County Sheriff Department, “however if someone is injured or killed, they can look at prison time."

So bottom line, something as simple as a celebratory drink, could have long last consequences no one wants to see.