RESISTING VICES IS A SMART MOVE

While across the county numbers of youth related crimes have skyrocketed
the children of the Douglass Community took advantage of a positive outlet
Wednesday to portray their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

During the Boys and Girls Club of Plano's annual summer drug-free rally a
number of youth put their sometimes little known talent on stage for all to
see.

"We do this program every summer. It's fun and it's education. They do
everything themselves - their posters, their research -they have a lot of
fun doing it," said Keystone club president Kevin Dillion, 16.

Officials say that Dillion was a major organizer for the rally.

The rally serves as the culmination of the summer long SMART (Skills
Mastery and Resistance Training) programming.

Students took part in a skit detailing the perils of drug use. Club member
Hampton Williams thrilled the audience with his toe tapping rendition of
Chris Brown's "Gimmie that," and other youth displayed many more talents.

"It's all important but the Start Smart is really your most impressionable
age because you are dealing with preteens who are beginning to deal with
peer pressure and other matters," said club director Karen Johnson.

The prevention/education program is an award-winning drug and alcohol abuse
prevention program. More than simply emphasizing a "Say No" message, the
program teaches young people ages 6-15 how assertiveness, strengthening
decision-making skills and analyzing media and peer influence can keep them
away from negative pressures.

"It is more than about drugs and alcohol. We delve into peer pressure and
self esteem there are a lot of components for each age group," said Johnson.

Students enjoy the program as well.

"It was interesting because all groups of kids in the Boys and Girls Club
got to do activities and learn about Smart Moves," said Jasmyne Thomas.
"Most of them talked about how to be drug free but some of it didn't."

The 12-year-old Plano native said that her favorite part of the program
that she got to interact with her friends Brooklyn Wilson, Ashley Broom and
Mariah Mack and formed the group: 'The Jewels.'

Thomas said that they got a lot of inspiration from the Disney-famed group
The Cheetah Girls, but wanted to have a style all their own.

"We liked the beat, we wanted to make it our own and we put our words to
it. We didn't want to be a regular R&B group. We wanted to sing about real
life," she said.

Besides singing Thomas did make a point that she learned a number of new
ideas and facts, among which was an introduction to harmful drugs that may
become available.

"Ecstasy, I didn't know that ecstasy was a real drug," said Thomas.

One past success story says that programming was just what he needed.

"They told us about drugs, about sex and they don't just say don't do it
and leave it alone," said Justin Daniels, 18. "But they really make sure
that you understood it. It was about drugs, having sex and pretty much
taking good care of your body and doing what you need to do."

Now a 2006 Plano East grad, Daniels is very active at his church and has
decided to enlist into the Marines. Daniels heads off to Camp Pendleton for
boot camp later next month

"It was a trip in the fifth grade talking to someone about sex when many of
us at that time still thought girls had coodies," said Daniels. "At such an
early age I didn't think that I was ready to hear it but I'm glad that I
did. It stuck with me."

Now watching young people matriculate through the program and reach
successes is a great personal reward.

"It makes me feel good, and he is a very Christian young man and it makes
me feel real proud and it lets me know that the program really works," said
Johnson. "It's a thing a lot of people get into and learn about life, it's
a great learning opportunity."