TEEN WORKS TO EDUCATE PEERS ABOUT DRUGS' DANGERS

Leslie Sullins sees or hears about drug use every day. She says it's a big
problem among high school students, and that's why she's trying to educate
children about the dangers of drugs.

At just 15 herself, Leslie is working to become a role model and leader for
a younger generation.

The Virginia High School junior recently was chosen to represent Virginia
on the DARE America National Youth Advisory Board.

"A lot of kids don't learn about drugs at home, and (through Drug Abuse
Resistance Education), it's pounded into them in elementary school, so
maybe it will help them make better decisions," she said.

Leslie is a DARE graduate herself. She was involved with the program
through middle school. When she entered Virginia High, she became involved
with Students Against Drunk Driving.

Both programs are assisted by Bristol Virginia sheriff's Maj. Dave Maples,
who nominated Leslie for the advisory board post a couple of months ago.
Two weeks later, she received a congratulatory letter.

"I did not expect that at all," she said. "(Maples) said he didn't think
anyone in Virginia High had ever gotten it before."

The board's 50 members -- one from each state -- will meet in the fall to
make plans for the upcoming year.

"I think DARE is a really good program for kids going into high school,"
she said. "If you start with the younger kids, it will help. ... I just
want to make a difference."

Helping to prevent drug abuse is just one of Leslie's many community
activities.

She serves as secretary of Bristol Youth Services, which funds programs and
projects to help neglected children, and works on the city's Youth Council
to bring problems her peers are facing to the attention of community leaders.

She also was chosen this year to be part of Bristol Youth Leadership,
learning skills concerning time management, racial issues and ethics.

Leslie also served as a campaign manager for friend Brittany Sourbeer in
the American Heart Association's Queen of Hearts fund-raising competition.
Brittany's campaign netted more than $25,000.

"Usually, everything I learn in the community is teaching me ways to become
a leader, and I can go back to school and be an example for other kids,"
Leslie said.

Her participation in cheerleading, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Future Business Leaders of America and Vocational Industrial Clubs of
America also helped the honor student win the title of Miss Virginia High
this year.

In what spare time she has, Leslie enjoys participating in youth activities
at Euclid Avenue Baptist Church.

She particularly enjoys mission trips, she said.

"I do all this stuff because I want to make a difference," she said. "I
don't know if I can as one single person, but I'm going to try."