SPRINGVALLEY STUDENTS AIM TO RESIST BAD CHOICES

The 510 students at Springvalley Middle School come from all walks of
life, but a very high percentage of them live below the poverty line.

They are a giving group of young people. Unfortunately, not all the
news is good. Students today are faced with growing pressures relating
to drugs and alcohol use.

If they succumb to this pressure, it ultimately affects their academic
performance and behaviour. This extends out into the community, where
there is an increase in crime, graffiti and other reckless behaviour
in the community.

In order to reach out to students and support their decision to lead a
healthy and productive lifestyle, the staff at Springvalley school
have developed an anti-smoking, drinking and drug initiative.

There was an immediate positive response from students, with
approximately 200 signing a pledge to abstain from the pressures of
drugs and alcohol.

The members of the club decided on the name RESIST and created a
statement of inspiration; your past doesna=C2=80=C2=99t matter, your pres
ent is
now and your future is in your hands.

The RESIST kick-off event included an inspiring presentation from
Shaun Jones and his wife Judy who have experienced firsthand the
devastating effects of drugs and alcohol use.

As a result of generous community sponsors, the RESIST members
received various prizes for their involvement.

So far, Kelowna YMCA, East Side Marios, The Bakery Boardshop, GLOBE at
Big White, Boston Pizza, Shaw Cable, Kelowna Rockets, Hotel Eldorado,
Big White, Parkinson Recreation Center and Sport Chek have offered
their support.

The next RESIST event is a pool party scheduled for Saturday at the
Parkinson Recreation Center. Students will be floating in the pool
while watching the movie Jaws on the big screen, playing games and
relays, listening to music and relaxing in the hot tub.

Any community support for this program will be welcomed by
Springvalley staff. Contact the school for more information at
250-862-3274.