STUDENTS HAVE ANSWERS

Students from around the city who participated in a youth symposium have
come up with some dynamic solutions for drug and alcohol problems amongst
teens.

The Red Deer Public School District held the youth symposium called Changes
last weekend.

Megan Hansen, a Grade 10 student at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High
School, said her group thinks having police dogs frequent the school would
help curb drug and alcohol use among their peers.

"And If students get an out of school suspension they have to do community
service instead of sitting at home," said Hansen.

Kelsey Koenen, a Grade 10 student from Hunting Hills High School, said her
group suggested hanging posters around the school, especially in the
washrooms, in hopes of preventing students from using drugs or alcohol.

The students also heard a presentation by Norbert Georget, a former
paramedic, who has spoken to over 1,000 schools across Canada and talked
with students about teenage drinking and driving, substance abuse and peer
pressure.

"His presentation was amazing. It almost had me in tears," said Hansen. "He
really stressed he didn't want to see us in body bags or pick us up on the
road."