[@Spud]

[i]Thank you for your contribution to my deciding factors of how to start our rp this Saturday!
You bring up good points for each- and don't worry, you're not the only GM that has experienced such things.

Being friends with the victim is more than okay- and would make sense in the scheme of things.
My only other thought is maybe you date or tutor one of the 17 year olds to bring yourself more into that group as well.
The possibilities are really endless in that sense, I have friends of various ages :D though I know what you mean.[/i]