HELP YOUTH OVERCOME DRUGS, VICES

This last school year, I discovered that there was a high tendency for
over indulgence in alcohol and marijuana on and off campus. It appears
that our students use these illicit substances as scapegoats in order
to ease the dramatic events going on in their lives. Peer pressure for
academic acceptance has been a major factor, but the real reasons may
even go deeper. Overbearing parents, divorce, heightened sexual
activity or simple lack of self-esteem can contribute to them.
Unfortunately, these young people's unhampered acts just could lead
them to full dismissal, rape, aggravated assault or possible suicide.

We, as concerned citizens, don't realize what is truly going on within
these students' minds. We've often turned a blind eye and deaf ear to
their anguished cries that want a good shoulder to cry on. Before we
know it, their cries have stopped due to an easy problem solver -
alcohol and marijuana. We all know that these vices will create more
problems for their general well-being, education and
relationships.

Generous acts of compassion will outweigh the inner torments they are
going through. Open your hearts to their miserable darkened lives with
reassuring hope for a better future, and we shall see positive results.

Mark E.T. Piotrowski

Williamsburg