According to her highschool spokesman, the trip wasn't school sponsored, but one that this 'group' had gone on for several years. He didn't say what particular 'group' he meant, but clearly kids and parents involved. So they have this Aruba trip for three or four years, and everything is fine. Most parents would feel confident that their kids would be safe. No doubt they read her a list of do's and don't's before she left, but she didn't listen. On the top of that list had to be Don't go anywhere alone. Take a girlfriend or chaperone with you. She is said to have packed her bags and left for the evening, taking a little cash and her driver's license.
Yes, I heard that it was not school sponsored. I'm sure the school is relieved - because it erases their liability.
I didn't realize though that this was a trip they took often .. then maybe she already had relationships on the island we might not know about ..?? Hmmmmm?
And .. if they did take the trip often .. it might have given the parents a false sense of security.