STUDENTS, PARENTS UNITE TO SAY NO

For Alex Beda, deciding to not use drugs was an easy decision to make.

The president of Geneva Middle School Student Council likes to play
sports and thinks that drugs would get in the way.

He's seen people who were high and doesn't want to act like that.

And his older brother was in a serious accident caused by a drunken
driver. He hit the windshield of his car in the crash.

"Every day, he has to look in the mirror and be reminded of somebody
else's bad decision," he said.

Beda and other Geneva middle and high school students spoke at a "Pray
for the Children" candlelight vigil at Geneva City Hall on Sunday
night to kick off Red Ribbon Week.

Many talked about the reasons they decided not to use drugs and who
influenced them to become involved.

Mary Lu O'Halloran, one of the week's coordinators, said she wanted
the event to reach students to know they are supported in their choice
to be drug-free, and parents to know to support their children and
encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Lisa Gillette, a moderator of the high school's SADD group, said it
was important to change perceptions about who uses drugs.

"Today peer pressure is different," she said. "It's the perception
that people who use drugs are in the majority and this is part of what
high school is about."

It is important to change those perceptions so drug-free students can
"be respected for their choices, not despite of them," she said.

Activities for the week will include special days at Geneva schools
and volunteering opportunities for students.

"It's just a catalyst for positive work with young people," O'Halloran said.