RANDOM TESTS WILL HELP EP STUDENTS AVOID DRUGS

to East Peoria Community High School for having the courage to
implement a drug-testing program. The use of illegal drugs is
increasing, and the age of first-time users is alarming. Teachers,
coaches, parents and administrators must not push this severe problem
under the carpet.

There are steroids, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogenic drugs and
marijuana in many schools. This problem has been intensifying for
years, and I have seen too many students ruin their lives before they
start. Students die or are seriously injured in auto accidents due to
illegal drugs, but these tragedies have not deterred students from
using drugs. Current drug prevention programs are not effective.

Extracurricular activities are an important part of the high school
educational experience. While federal law will not allow testing of
all students, hopefully drug testing will at least eliminate drug use
by extracurricular participants.

Grade school students look up to athletes, and it is imperative for
those young people to know that their role models do not use drugs.
Research has shown that peer pressure is one of the greatest reasons
students use drugs. When students know they will be tested, they have
a great reason to say "no."

The East Peoria school district is developing a program to help
students develop lifelong skills and give them the best chance to
succeed in a competitive world. I hope all of us keep an eye on the
success of this program.

Hal Chiodo

Morton High School head football coach

Washington