FORUM SPEAKERS SAY PARENTS KEY IN ANTI-DRUG WAR

Kent Billingsley made a commitment to remain drug- and alcohol-free three
years ago.

He avoids parties where his peers use illegal substances, and as a member
of Students Taking A New Direction, is proud of his pledge.

Even so, the Henderson County High School senior is aware that unlawful
prescription drug use has increased at the high school -- and he is happy
that the district is doing something about it.

"I've always known about it and heard things, but it's starting to get seen
more (here)," the 17-year-old said of 44 drug and alcohol violations this
year alone at County High.

He was one of roughly 20 students and community members at the school
district's first of three meetings to inform the public about what it can
do to combat criminal drug and alcohol usage.

"We live in a culture now that accepts the use of prescription medication,"
said Bruce Farris, assistant coordinating principal for the high school.
"Our problem is that some students are abusing prescription drugs."

One of the first steps to end that practice, educators said, is for parents
to be informed. Parents should ask questions and always know where their
children are, said school resource officer Tony Fanok. They should also
lock up their medications and make sure to throw away unneeded pills.

"This is the place where kids come together," Fanok said of schools in the
district. "Kids bring pills to school and then give them to their friends."

And parents should not assume that drugs and alcohol will not be present at
others' homes. In some cases, Fanok added, parents supply alcohol or turn a
blind eye to those who do because they believe that alcohol use is a rite
of passage.

That can be a problem because many students model their parents' and other
adults' behavior, speakers said.

Those who give prescription medication to a person for whom that medication
is not prescribed, for instance, are committing a felony. And adults who
knowingly hold parties where minors are served alcohol can also receive a
$500 fine and up to 12 months in jail.

"I feel that a lot of times, as parents, they aren't sure what their
boundaries can and can't be," said Marganna Stanley, director of student
programs for the district. "We want to emphasize that parents should stay
in their child's life, know who their friends are and hold those people
accountable."

Students who are caught using, selling or possessing drugs on campus will
be required to take a drug test and a police report will be filed. They
will have to meet with a chemical substance counselor and will be placed at
Central Learning Center before they return to County High. Those who are
caught for a similar drug-and-alcohol related offense within one calendar
year will be expelled.

The school district will hold two more meetings, both of which will provide
the public with new information. The next, on April 26, will discuss a
student drug and alcohol survey, marijuana and community agency support.
The third meeting will be held May 24 and will include information about
cocaine, methamphetamines and local law enforcement.

Both will be held at 6 p.m. at Henderson County High School's auditorium.