Yearbook at Conifer High School in Colorado References Drinking, Drugs and Upsets Parents

"It makes me feel good."

That is how one high school senior put it in this year's edition of the Conifer High School yearbook, as reported by the Rocky Mountain News. However, the quote isn't referring to all the memories made over four years, nor does it convey the satisfaction of the student's impending graduation. It's about marijuana.

According to the Colorado newspaper, the yearbook contains some five pages with photos of students engaging in underage drinking and drug use. Students also submitted quotes and captions-some anonymously-to place alongside the photos.

Many parents were struck with disbelief at the illicit behavior depicted in the yearbook. The pictures ranged from students posing with bongs and drinking alcohol to holding up police tickets for underage drinking.

The yearbook advisor for the school, Amy McTague, holds the students were only trying to capture the full extent of student life. When parents objected to the offensive material, she stated the students have a constitutional right to publish what they wish.

The students' right to free speech did not stop her however from issuing letters of apology to parents. The letters state neither she nor the students had any "intent to portray such a negative tone", according to the article. Rather than cause a stir, the photos intended to capture some of the difficult decisions high school students make in their social lives.

One page the page depicting students and their underage drinking tickets-seems to convey that message: it reads, "Regrets and Mistakes".

Despite what intentions the students had, many parents feel a line was crossed, as reported by the Rocky Mountain News. They claim the school publication not only undermines the law but also school board policy. Colorado's Jefferson County presently has a zero tolerance policy against substance abuse.

McTague agreed the pages were inappropriate. Students wishing to return their books may do so or have the pages covered with newly formatted pages of acceptable content.