STUDENTS LEARN TO SAY NO TO DRUGS

Eighth-grader Oasis Hernandez has one piece of advice for parents
who want their children to be drug-free: Be a good role model.

Oasis and four other track team members from Emporia Middle School
spoke out against drug use this week, in preparation for the
school's annual Drug-Free Fun Run on Friday.

In addition to Oasis, the panel included seventh-graders Gabby
Solora, Bazill Santos, Max Detwiler and Drew Stapp.

Gabby competes in relays and distance medley; Bazill does relays,
dashes and discus; Max competes in mile, half-mile, distance medley,
4x100 and hurdles; and Drew competes in 100 and 200 medleys, 4x100
and high jump.

Oasis competes in the 100 and 200 dashes, long, high and triple
jumps, and the 400.

"She's set multiple records already," Max said, revealing what Oasis
was too modest to mention.

The youngsters talked on Wednesday about the important issues that
are the reason for the fun run, which draws attention to living drug-free.

"Our team wants to support that to be an athlete, you don't do
drugs," Drew said.

"They're horrible," Oasis added. "They can affect your physical,
mental and social life."

Oasis was hoping that the community would come out to the track in
support of the runners and walkers taking part.

"Because we're doing it for a cause that could change the future," she said.

Team members talked about a variety of aspects surrounding drug
education and resistance.

Two of them suggested that parents listen to a couple of songs that
illustrate the important role parents play in their children's
choices: "I've Been Watching You" with lyrics by Rodney Atkins and
"You're Worth More Than This," sung by Haste the Day.

The former song describes the good and the bad behaviors that a
4-year-old has learned from watching his father -- using four-letter
words and praying among them. The chorus repeats the theme:

"Yeah, we're just alike, hey ain't we dad,

"I wanna do everything you do,

"So I've been watching you."

"You're Worth More Than This" has a harsher, yet realistic,
storyline involving a successful man and the difference between his
professional and personal lives.

"The music video is this little boy is watching his dad and he's
getting drunk at the dinner table," Oasis said.

Television and movies also were named as sources that show bad
behaviors that could influence children.

"I'll bet it has a big effect, because some of those kids looking at
that look up to (the actors)," Drew said.

"People are doing drugs left and right, and they think it's so
funny," Max said. "Think of other ways to make the TV show funny
instead of getting high on drugs or drinking."

Oasis offered another alternative. "If they do have to put that in,
show the real effect."

The teens discussed the real effects that alcohol and drugs can
bring into people's lives, beyond the health problems they create.

"The more money you spend on your drugs, the less money you have for
your house and food," Bazill said.

"And you might go to jail," Max added.

Drug use can destroy relationships and more importantly, Oasis
added, result in death.

They also talked about ways to cope with upheavals and
disappointments that come naturally in life.

People may be vulnerable to begin using drugs if they feel
pressured, or depressed or are experiencing something going wrong
within their families.

"Tell a parent, or tell a counselor," Gabby said.

"You can try to get somebody to help," Bazill said.

Admitting the need for help is a smarter decision than turning to
drugs that complicate the problem rather than solve it.

The youngsters realized that pressure also comes from outside
forces, such as acquaintances who encourage others to try drugs.

"Walk away," Drew advised. "If that person's going to be telling you
that stuff, you probably shouldn't be with them."

Oasis added, "I personally have seen kids who do use drugs, and who
do smoke, and I don't hang out with them. I'm afraid they might get to me."

The youngsters talked about the different levels of information and
involvement that classes have offered since they began learning
about drug use in Emporia's elementary schools.

"Most kids don't get the message until about fourth or fifth grade,"
Drew said.

Max talked about the problem-solving questions that are asked of EMS
students in their health or wellness classes.

"Mary is offered cocaine. What should you do?" he said, illustrating
the types of scenarios presented to the students.

The students said they especially enjoyed a hands-on simulation of
what they might experience if they drank alcohol. They were given
special goggles to wear that simulate different levels of drinking,
from legal-to-drive to extremely drunk; then they played catch.

"It would look like it was coming at you, then it would veer off,"
Max said of his experience.

The youngsters were convinced they did not want to use drugs and
were confident they could resist any coaxing and cajoling that might
come from friends and associates.

A key, they said, was having a positive outlook, being conscious of
what needs to be done, and respecting or loving yourself. Oasis
edited down the advice to four words:

"I'm my best friend," she said.