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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman