Two-time Olympic medallist Beckie Scott stands alone on the stage. Behind her are three large Canadian flags. This is not the scene of a press conference or medal presentation. This was a champion bringing a simple yet important message to over 500 students at Clarenville High. Scott capped off a full day of activities at the school designed to educate students about the dangers of drugs. The theme of the day- long event was making choices. Throughout her career as a cross-country skier Scott has been outspoken about the issue of performance enhancing drugs in sport. [continues 454 words]
Clarenville High is a school that has never shied away from tackling controversial issues head on. Whether it's a hazing ritual or alcohol and drug use among teens the school has made a habit of addressing the issues even when, in some cases, it does not fall under the school's responsibility. That tradition continued April 28 with the school's second annual day to tackle addictions. "Last year we focused on alcohol so this year we decided to focus on some of the other types of drugs," explains Tammy Greening of Health and Community Services who helped plan the day-long event with Greg Mitchell of the RCMP and Clarenville High teacher Ben Osmond. "We are not saying alcohol is any less important we just felt we should focus on some of the other things as well. [continues 1080 words]
