IC STUDENTS LEARN OF ALCOHOL, DRUG HAZARDS

MASON CITY - Counseling and law enforcement professionals visited with
small groups of Illini Central High School students during lunch
periods this week to warn them of the dangers of substance abuse.

Like many schools across the nation, the IC middle and high school
observed Red Ribbon Week to educate and motivate students against the
use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Mason County Coroner Jerry Hurley gave a Power Point presentation of
scenes from local accidents involving drivers under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.

It impressed student Rachel Brickell.

"That could have been me if I had made the wrong choices," Brickell
said. "It could easily be someone you know or are close to. It really
made you think."

Probation officer Lynn Garrison discussed blood-alcohol levels with
students, and Kolaya Horne of Logan-Mason Mental Health and Camille
Springer of Chestnut Health Systems of Bloomington talked about
detrimental physical and emotional consequences of drug abuse.

"You hope one thing you say will make a difference," Springer said.
"Maybe it will click with them. If not today, maybe down the road -
even if it's 10 years."

Many students took time from their lunch period to visit the
information table. They gladly accepted red reminder bracelets
proclaiming "Proud to be drug free" and signed up for a drawing for an
Apple iPod, both sponsored by Monsanto Co.

A few walked away when they learned the informational booth was about
substance abuse, but others revisited it for a second look at
literature and graphic photos showing internal organs damaged by drugs.

"One of the most important things to get across to the students is the
long-term effects of what this stuff can do to their lives," said ICHS
Principal Patrick Martin.

Marveling at the presenters who spent one-on-one time with interested
students, he said, "These are pretty busy people. That they would come
out shows how important this is. I hope the students see the
importance as well.

"We all can sit back and think of someone who's been affected by drugs
or alcohol. It's unfortunate we can't learn form the mistakes those
people have made. I hope (the students) take something from this."