JR. HIGH KIDS EDUCATING THEIR PEERS

Sherwood Park News -- Six leadership students from Clover Bar junior
high school are introducing their younger peers to the dangers of
crystal methamphetamines, a highly addictive drug.

"We're here from the leadership class to explain why crystal meth is a
horrible drug," said Sarah Senuik, a Grade 9 student, as she began the
presentation last Friday.

"Some of you may already know about meth, but others of you may not,
so listen carefully."

Helping Senuik were three other Grade 9 students: Dayna Janzen, Danica
Schultz, and Katelyn Martens. The group went on to deliver facts about
the drug, including addiction rates and physical consequences of using.

"Forty-six per cent of first time users are addicted immediately,"
said Senuik, who went on to cite statistics saying that 100 per cent
of third time users are hooked.

"There's no such thing as experimenting with meth," said Senuik. "It
will take over your life, so don't try it."

The presentation contained graphic images showing some of the physical
consequences of meth use. Some of these included skin conditions,
rotting teeth and infected sores in the mouth.

"We don't want it here at Clover Bar -- it's not welcome," said
Senuik.

The Grade 7 students had questions about meth labs, if they were
illegal, and if users could die from the drug.

Bishu Fras, a counsellor at Clover Bar junior high, said the students
took the initiative for the presentations.

"This is a student researched, student generated project," said Fras.
"The idea came from them in their leadership class."

Senuik credits her passion for the subject to a presentation she saw
at a Sherwood Heights junior high on the topic.

"We came back and we were like, well, we should definitely do
something for the Grade 7s at our school," said Senuik.

"To get them aware before they get hooked on meth," added
Martens.

The group credited AADAC, the Internet and various teachers as sources
of information.

When asked if they knew anyone affected by crystal meth, each of the
girls responded that they did. "Definitely, some close friends," said
Senuik, the other three girls voicing their agreement. "It's becoming
more and more popular in the Park here," noted Martens.

"I've probably learned how extremely addictive this is, and how many
people are affected by it, you know, it's not just even the person
that is on meth, it's their families, it's their friends, everyone,"
said Martens.

"It's not just a normal drug, it's deadly," added Janzen.

The group was emphatic that Grade 7 is not too young to start getting
educated about meth.

"It's not just the high school kids anymore," said Senuik. "It's the
Grade 9s, the Grade 8s, the Grade 7s, even. Maybe next year they'll be
exposed to it, and they need to know it's bad. It's not just marijuana."

Fras agrees the Grade 7 students are not too young to hear about the
dangers of crystal meth.

"They'll be exposed to it within a year, I'm sure," said Fras. "So
many of them are familiar with the topic."

The presentations started last Thursday and will wrap up this week.