CHINOOK'S EDGE WORKER HONOURED FOR PROGRAM TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE

A Chinook's Edge School Division employee is receiving provincial
attention for his work to prevent drug use among hundreds of students.

Substance abuse co-ordinator George MacLeod is a finalist in the
Alberta Venture magazine's eAwards, which recognizes the efforts of
inspiring employees across Alberta.

He'll head to the awards gala on Thursday in Calgary.

School district assistant superintendent Pieter Langstraat nominated
MacLeod for his achievements on teaching students, parents and staff
about the perils of drug or alcohol abuse, and how to prevent it.

Since being hired on in 2003, MacLeod has spoken to more than 600
students and more than 300 parents.

Sometimes he gives short counselling sessions to students. Some
students receive longer sessions to get them thinking about how drugs
or alcohol affect their health, education, relationships and job prospects.

MacLeod has also trained 250 staff members on working with students
who are dabbling in drugs or have full-blown addictions.

"It's a remarkable achievement in such a short period of time,"
Langstraat said.

MacLeod has also had a positive effect on whether some students stay in school.

Langstraat said 15 students were expelled in 2002 because of
substance abuse problems. No students were expelled due to substance
abuse during the 2004-05 year.