STUDENTS COMBAT DRUG USE

A group of Rector high school students are working to make a
difference in the lives of their fellow classmates. The members of
Cougars Are BAD (Banding Against Drugs) have united together to
promote a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

One of the group's creators and most diligent adult volunteers,
Michelle Thomas, says the group is not just focused on having an
immediate impact, but determined to make a difference further on
down the line.

"Starting a drug-free club in our school is very important because
we are raising the kids of the future," Thomas said. "We're trying
to educate future leaders about the risks involved with drugs and alcohol."

The organization has worked toward its goals by taking part in
numerous activities, including the annual Red Ribbon Week, Kids
Helping Kids and elementary mentoring.

The group also is actively involved in the successful Project
Aftershock post-prom event which offers teens a fun, safe
environment to enjoy themselves during one of the most historically
dangerous nights of the year.

It is their involvement in Project Aftershock which saw Cougars Are
BAD receiving regional recognition, as the group earned first place
in Exemplary Projects at August's TONE (Teens Of Northeast) Summit
for their efforts. The group was presented with the TONE trophy,
which features the name of each winning school in the event's
history. The trophy, awarded to one area school for outstanding
achievement in raising community awareness, returns to the TONE
summit each year to be awarded again. The trophy bears an engraving
featuring the name of each winning school, maintaining a record of
those who put in the time and effort to make a difference in their
communities.

"I'm very proud that we have a group of kids that take the
initiative to step up and make a difference," Thomas said.

Cougars Are BAD is able to be successful because of its ability to
reach students through their peers. Unlike many organizations
wherein those reaching out to the youth are adults, Cougars Are BAD
works like a peer group, utilizing members of the same generation
who are more likely to have similar encounters and experiences as
the individuals whom they are trying to reach.

"I think it works better because we're students, too," club
president Lynea Causbie said. "I think it makes it easier for other
kids and students to listen to what we're trying to do because they
know us. They see us in class or around town. It's a lot easier to
talk to, and trust, someone you already know. I think that's one
of the best things about Cougars Are BAD -- it's about the students
coming together to make smart choices."

Next up, the organization will be taking part in national Red Ribbon
Week on Oct. 22-26, promoting drug awareness. Each student of the
Rector School District will receive a red ribbon to wear as part of
the week-long campaign.