A LESSON ON DRUGS; CITY STUDENTS READY TO SAY 'NO'

Caitlin Davis and Brian MacKenzie are ready to D.A.R.E. to stay drug,
alcohol and tobacco-free.

The two students are taking part in Drug Abuse Resistance Education at
Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Corner Brook.

Davis, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student, said the program taught her how
to be a good friend, to say "no" and resist peer pressure.

"Everybody is raised a certain way. Everybody knows right from wrong.
If someone offers you to try something you don't want to do, you know
if it's good or bad because you've been taught," she told The Western
Star.

"If someone offers me a drink, I'll be cool about it and just say
'no'. I really don't need to give them a reason. No should be good
enough for them."

MacKenzie, an 11-year-old Grade 6 student, said the program is a great
way to give students the tools to say "no" to drinking, drugs and cigarettes.

"Drinking, I just don't like it because I've seen a lot of crashes,"
MacKenzie said. "Drunk driving, I just can't get a grip on it.

"Someone goes nuts because they think they can still drive after
three, or four drinks at a drinking club. They just go nuts and they
don't think of their own life, or taking someone else with them.

"It upsets me because it doesn't seem fair that alcohol can take the
lives of people who haven't done anything wrong."

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary offers the D.A.R.E program at
schools in the city throughout the year. The program wraps up next
Tuesday at Immaculate of Heart of Mary School.