DRUG TESTS VALUABLE TOOL AT BA

Students at Brookhaven Academy have more than just their parents as a
reason to stay away from drugs thanks to a random drug testing policy at
the school.

The policy, which was adopted in 1994, has become a valuable tool for
teenagers facing peer pressure, according to several students at the school.

"It would help me if I was ever around it (drugs)," said Tyler Lofton, a BA
senior.

Students are picked at random by a computer selecting student
identification numbers on an average of six times a year. The number
selection begins the testing procedure, which is kept a secret until time
for the actual test.

"The guidance counselor and myself are the only two that know when we are
going to test. We don't even contact the drug testing company until the day
of the testing," said Headmaster Dan Boyce.

Then school officials check to make sure the students picked are present.
The 20-25 students are then sent to a designated area where the drug
testing company supervises the urine test process.

"We think we've taken all the necessary measures to ensure an honest test,"
said Boyce.

Boyce believes it is important to have drug testing in schools, not just
because it helps produce better students, but also because it can be a way
to help a young person in need.

"If a child has a problem, it's a way to make the parents aware so that
they can deal with it as a family," he said. "We're not so naive that we
think our students are not exposed to drugs, and I think random drug
testing is just one thing we can do to combat it."

The consequence for testing positive for drugs is suspension, mandatory
counseling and any other requirements dictated by the headmaster for the
first violation. The second violation brings indefinite suspension.

Although the policy is part of the school's handbook, rarely have
consequences had to be enforced, said Boyce, who has not had any students
test positive since he became headmaster two years ago.

He believes that is a good sign that the drug testing program serves an
important role in the school. He also credits drug education efforts at BA.

"Your real work in drug education with kids has to be preventive. That's
where the battle is fought and won," said Boyce.

Sixth graders are involved in DARE (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education)
through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department. Drug education continue in
junior high and high school with elective health classes that often cover
the topic.

The education efforts combined with the unpredictable drug testing at the
school works to keep students saying "No" instead of experimenting with
addictive substances.

"I think it's a really good idea because it makes the school have a safer
environment," said Lindsey Holmes, a 17-year-old student whose
identification number has been picked three times.

Fellow senior Lindy Salyer also was picked to undergo a random drug test
while in high school, and agrees it is a fundamental policy.

"The only thing I disagree with is that people are just picked randomly. I
think everyone should be tested on a regular basis," said Salyer.

The positive feedback from the student lets Boyce know the random drug
tests do affect the way students act away from campus.

"Drugs and their influence cut across every sector of our society.
Regardless of one's status in society or educational background, drugs are
a threat," he said. "I don't think we as educators or as parents can ever
do enough to combat the presence of drugs in our society, but I think
random drug testing is one good tool."