TESTING COULD HAVE AN IMPACT

I have been keeping up with the [issue of drug testing students] on The
Cameron Herald Internet site.

My opinion is that while testing only the students involved in sports,
etc., would not stamp it out entirely, I do believe it would make some
impact. I do not know the exact number of students enrolled at Yoe High
School but there are a large number of students who are involved in what is
called "extracurricular activities".

It would be a mistake to assume that only the students NOT involved in
extracurricular activities are the only ones using drugs. There is probably
a percentage from both groups.

With the extracurricular group singled out there could be a reduction in
drug use for three reasons.

1) Random drug tests could be given. This would make students using drugs
on or off campus wary of having drugs in their bodies. Students would not
know when they use be tested and no one would want to test positive.

2) Being suspended from any extracurricular activities.

3) Having to receive treatment.

This would not stop drug use totally on the Cameron campus but it is a
start in the right direction. A number of professional athletes have been
known to use drugs to perform better during sports. It is possible some
students may copy this behavior. I am not saying it is a fact, I am saying
it is a possibility.

Here is a simple example. If there were only 100 students enrolled in
Cameron High School (Freshman through Senior) and 50 of those students
played sports, etc.

If all 100 students used drugs regularly, but only the ones involved in
extracurricular activities were to be tested for drug use that could reduce
the drug use among those 50 students.

If all 50 extracurricular students stopped using drugs totally, that would
be a decrease in drug use by half of the high school student body!

While this would not eliminate drug use by all high school students it
would certainly help.

I say any reduction is a step in the right direction.

Is it fair to test only the students involved in extracurricular
activities? The answer is yes and no.

Crime Stopper's motto is if you can't do the Time, don't do the Crime.

Drug use and drug possession is a crime. To all students you can really
ruin your life by using or carrying drugs. So stop now. If you have never
tried drugs do not start.

To the students involved in extracurricular activities: Your school has
given you the privilege to be involved in sports, etc. and represent the
school at events. If you are caught with drugs or test positive for drug
use, you can be suspended, for how long I do not know. Do you want to be
sidelined for a stupid reason like drug use?

D.V. Slavilak