Pubdate: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 Source: Clay County Democrat (AR) Copyright: 2007. Clay County Democrat. Contact: http://www.claycountydemocrat.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3154 Author: Ryan Rogers Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) STUDENTS COMBAT DRUG USE A group of Rector high school students are working to make a difference in the lives of their fellow classmates. The members of Cougars Are BAD (Banding Against Drugs) have united together to promote a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle. One of the group's creators and most diligent adult volunteers, Michelle Thomas, says the group is not just focused on having an immediate impact, but determined to make a difference further on down the line. "Starting a drug-free club in our school is very important because we are raising the kids of the future," Thomas said. "We're trying to educate future leaders about the risks involved with drugs and alcohol." The organization has worked toward its goals by taking part in numerous activities, including the annual Red Ribbon Week, Kids Helping Kids and elementary mentoring. The group also is actively involved in the successful Project Aftershock post-prom event which offers teens a fun, safe environment to enjoy themselves during one of the most historically dangerous nights of the year. It is their involvement in Project Aftershock which saw Cougars Are BAD receiving regional recognition, as the group earned first place in Exemplary Projects at August's TONE (Teens Of Northeast) Summit for their efforts. The group was presented with the TONE trophy, which features the name of each winning school in the event's history. The trophy, awarded to one area school for outstanding achievement in raising community awareness, returns to the TONE summit each year to be awarded again. The trophy bears an engraving featuring the name of each winning school, maintaining a record of those who put in the time and effort to make a difference in their communities. "I'm very proud that we have a group of kids that take the initiative to step up and make a difference," Thomas said. Cougars Are BAD is able to be successful because of its ability to reach students through their peers. Unlike many organizations wherein those reaching out to the youth are adults, Cougars Are BAD works like a peer group, utilizing members of the same generation who are more likely to have similar encounters and experiences as the individuals whom they are trying to reach. "I think it works better because we're students, too," club president Lynea Causbie said. "I think it makes it easier for other kids and students to listen to what we're trying to do because they know us. They see us in class or around town. It's a lot easier to talk to, and trust, someone you already know. I think that's one of the best things about Cougars Are BAD -- it's about the students coming together to make smart choices." Next up, the organization will be taking part in national Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 22-26, promoting drug awareness. Each student of the Rector School District will receive a red ribbon to wear as part of the week-long campaign. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman