STUDENTS BALANCE TRUST, TEAMWORK DURING DRUG PREVENTION WORKSHOP

Twenty kids held tightly to each others' hands as they wobbled their
way across a long metal beam at Friday's "Step it Up" drug prevention workshop.

But the challenge wasn't about learning balance, it was about
learning how to work together to face difficult obstacles.

"Guys, if someone starts to fall, we have to help them up," shouted
12-year-old Nicole Lawrence as some kids wavered on the beam.

That's just the kind of attitude workshop speaker Tim Wells wanted to hear.

"Teaching trust and team-building is so important in drug prevention
programs," Wells said. "It gives them skills to say, 'Hey, my friend
is drinking and doing drugs, but I am going to help them out.'"

Wells works in drug education for Narconon, a nonprofit drug
rehabilitation and education program. Wells also sponsors Battle
Creek's "Drug Free Kids Club," a free after-school program that
encourages kids to choose positive activities instead of drugs and alcohol.

"Having these types of programs is important because drugs and
alcohol is something that every kid will face at one point," said
Paula Langston-Ware, the Legacy Scholars program director who
coordinated the "Step it Up" event at Kellogg Community College's
Miller Building.

Legacy Scholars is a program sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation to provide scholarships to area students.

About 20 incoming seventh-graders in Battle Creek and Lakeview
schools participated in the program, which also featured local law
enforcement officials identified as Sgt. Nate and Lt. Rick.

Because of the nature of their jobs in drug enforcement, the officers
could not reveal their service location or full names.

Sgt. Nate and Lt. Rick led the students through several role-playing
games that focused on the three key elements they said will help kids
stay away from drugs -- trust, commitment and teamwork.

"We want to give you the tools to make good choices for yourself,"
Lt. Rick said. "People who abuse drugs are not bad people, they just
make bad choices."

Several parent volunteers attended the program. Parent Chris Lawrence
said the program was positive because it teaches his daughter,
Nicole, how to establish trusting relationships with other kids.

"She knows that it is OK to be involved in the community, to meet new
friends," Chris Lawrence said. "And she is learning it is OK to
maintain your values. It's safe."

Lawrence and Wells agreed that keeping kids active is an important
factor in keeping them drug and alcohol-free. At the end of the
program, each participant received a free ticket to attend a
Southwest Michigan Devil Rays game.

Twelve-year-old DreShawn Swift said the games and lessons helped him
connect with his peers. They also gave him more confidence in
himself, which Wells said helps kids stay away from bad influences.

"I learned that without teamwork, you can't get anything done,"
DreShawn said. "And I learned to think of myself as a leader."