Alcohol use and binge drinking among students in the Issaquah School District  —  especially high school seniors  —  is well above average according to the state’s most recent Healthy Youth Survey.

“Something happens around the 12th grade,” said Dennis Wright, the director of career and services for the district.

Wright presented the results of the survey May 16 at the Action Forum for Youth at Sammamish City Hall. Data included voluntary input from students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 from 233 districts around the state.

The only ISD students not included in the October survey were seniors at Skyline High School, who were omitted due to a clerical error.

Results showed 43 percent of the seniors at Issaquah High and 45 percent of the seniors at Liberty High reported drinking at least a sip of wine, beer or hard alcohol in the previous 30 days. The state average was 36 percent.

Under the same category, 32 percent of Issaquah seniors and 29 percent of Liberty seniors participated in binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more drinks in one sitting. The state average was 22 percent.

“That’s a bit troubling, we are well above the state average,” Wright said.

He added that about 25 percent of the girls at Issaquah High reported a binge-drinking bout; 40 percent of the boys reported one.

A panel of students gave their interpretation of the results at last week’s forum.

Issaquah senior Ashley Hoffman, one of several students on a panel, said the numbers could be higher.

“Kids can ignore it up until senior year and then are like, ‘I’m going to college, there’s no point in not drinking anymore.’”

Liberty senior Allison Frazier said partying likely brings a sense of community between seniors.

“A lot of people come to soccer games, football games under the influence. I think the problem is it has become a necessity,” she said.

Issaquah underclassmen Robin Lustig said it’s not just a senior problem.

“I’m only a junior, but I have still seen some alcohol and drug use within my age group, which is a little upsetting because we are so far from our future,” she said.

Students suggested increased support from school counselors and parents as keys to decreasing the problem.

While alcohol use results were high in the district, it came in below other state averages, including the use of illegal drugs, marijuana and cigarettes. The district also came in lower in student reports of bullying, and higher in the feeling of overall safety and in overall enjoyment at school.

“I think in our community, all our kids are above average and good looking,” said Wright, comparing ISD students to the closing line of the radio variety show, ‘A Prairie Home Companion.’

“In a lot of ways we mirror the things that are happening in the state,” he continued. “Sometimes we are far better off  —  our kids feel safe at school, our kids feel they have a place in their communities, they think their parents and their community like them. There are a couple places where our kids aren’t all good looking and above average and that’s in binge drinking and alcohol use.”

More information

Go to the Issaquah School District website for complete results.

From left, Dania Frazier, Robin Lustig and Ashley Hoffman listen to Liberty senior Allison Frazier speak about bullying in the Issaquah School District.