On Nov. 28, 2011, Debbie Allen spoke to De Soto High School students about the dangers of binge drinking and the foundation she started in memory of her daughter, Shelby Lyn Allen. The Shelby’s Rules Foundation was set up after Shelby died of acute alcohol poisoning on the first night of Christmas break in 2008.

The foundation primarily focuses on the education of alcohol poisoning and establishes a series of rules that can be referred to if someone is in potential danger from alcohol.

“Our daughter made a poor choice that night, but it shouldn’t have taken her life,” Allen said.

Not a lot of information is known about the party Shelby attended the night she died. It is known however, that after consuming alcohol with some of her friends Shelby showed all the warning signs of alcohol poisoning. She became violently sick and had trouble breathing, so her friends propped her up against a toilet and left her. She was found dead the next morning.

“Most people don’t realize that a few ounces of a strong drink or many drinks of something weak can kill you. At worst they think they’ll have a hangover,” Allen said. “Alcohol is a poison and underage bodies can’t handle the same amount of poison that adults can.”

Allen’s presentation primarily focuses on educating her audience on signs of alcohol poisoning. Shelby’s Rules are focused around calling 911 immediately if someone is vomiting or unresponsive after consuming an alcoholic beverage. Allen also addresses the issue of parents and adults supplying liquor for minors.

Allen presented throughout the district and hopes to convey the message that without education on the effects, minors cannot be safe while consuming alcohol.