SCHOOL DRUG SURVEY A SHOCK

Most people are aware that some high school students in the lakecity have
tried cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana.

But it came as somewhat of a shock for teachers and counsellors at Williams
Lake Secondary to learn that some students have also tried cocaine, says
journalism teacher Tim Hurley.

His journalism students conducted two studies on drug use in the school,
the results of which were published in the school newspaper The Grapevine.

"These are not refined research tools but the raw data is enough to cause
concern," says Hurley.

In March journalism students Kiira Saari and Alyn Bowering verbally
surveyed 300 of the 740 students at WLSS about whether they had tried
tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or cocaine.

They found that 237 of the students surveyed had tried alcohol; 138 had
tried tobacco; 183 had tried marijuana; and 36 had tried cocaine. Only 51
students said they had not tried any of the drugs.

Since the survey was random and conducted verbally there was a risk of
duplication, and the possibility that some students were bragging to
impress their peers, says Hurley.

But the results were sufficiently disturbing that Hurley decided to offer
an assignment for a second survey using more sophisticated research techniques.

Grade 12 student Sarah Harwood and Grade 10 student Frances Enyedy accepted
the challenge.

Except for cocaine use, which was considerably less, results of their
research were very similar to the first verbal survey.

"We mostly knew already what it was like," says Harwood. "Now it is out in
the open. Most kids do drink and smoke pot."

Enyedy adds: "I hope this doesn't cause a big uproar, it is common
knowledge to the kids."

For their study Enyedy and Harwood developed a detailed questionnaire, then
distributed it during class time so that students could fill it out
anonymously and without any pressure.

Concerted efforts were also made to reach all grade levels and an equal
number of boys as girls.

"We managed to collect 315 credible questionnaires. Several were weeded out
( no pun intended) into our BS file for those who suggested they get high
on crack and weed every day of the week," Harwood said in their report.

Their survey results indicated that 235 of the students surveyed had tried
alcohol while 80 students had not tried the drug.

A total of 175 students said they had tried marijuana and 140 students said
they had not used the drug.

Seven students indicated that they had tried cocaine.

Results of the Enydy/Harwood survey on tobacco use were not included in The
Grapevine and are now inaccessible because floors at the school are being
refinished.