TRI-VILLAGE — Did you
know that statistically, a MAJORITY of students abstain from drugs, alcohol,
and tobacco and are paving the way to a bright future?Students at
Tri-Village involved in the We are the Majority Peer-Led Program recently met
with Mayor Monyca Schlechty to sign a document to proclaim the week of March 30
as Majority Awareness Drug-Free Prevention Education Week. The teens would like
their peers and the community to know that there are students concerned about
drug prevention and mental health promotion. Leaders hope for proactive
community support surrounding these particular topics. WATM students also would
like to share with the public that a majority of teens say no to dangerous
decisions and understand the harmful implications that arise from use.
A recent project held
by the students was an assembly for 7th to 12th graders to encourage peers to
take a stand against drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and also to make a commitment
to being a positive role model for younger students in their school. Student
leaders also have been working on tobacco/vaping education lessons for
elementary students as well as have worked on preparing for a prevention
education week to now be held at the beginning of the new school year.
When speaking with
students from WATM, Lydia Ayette said, “I have been involved in WATM for the
last two years. I really enjoy working with younger kids to help them make good
choices. I especially enjoy doing this through events like Camp Majority,
Majority Awareness Walk, and our Dodge the Dangerous Decision dodgeball
assembly. WATM has also helped me develop leadership skills and has given me
more confidence.”
Calvin Fritz added, “I
feel it is important to be drug-free because when someone user drugs, it takes
over their life and takes away opportunities. This affects people you meet,
jobs, and even health and family. I am part of the Majority because I want to
be a good role model for my little brothers and friends.”
Parents and community
members can support students in efforts to share the dangers of drugs by
modeling positive and responsible behaviors such as not drinking and driving,
decreasing access to harmful substances including locking up items illegal for
children, removing unused prescriptions from the medicine cabinet, and talking
with children about the dangers of use.
“I’m very proud that
students at Tri-Village are making an opportunity to encourage others to remain
or become drug and/or alcohol free,” said Mayor Schlechty. “I commend them for
their efforts.”
According to Prevention
Action Alliance, the earlier the onset of use, the more likely one can become
addicted. Students are also 50 percent less likely to abuse harmful substances
if parents or caregivers express the importance of non-use in the home.
To learn more ways to
talk with your child about drug prevention, check out www.starttalking.ohio.gov
the site provides talking points for every age group and has a sign up for
parent tips.
Please support our
students’ mission during Majority Drug-Free Prevention and Education Awareness
week and throughout the year!
For more information regarding the WATM
Program in the schools, contact Kelly Harrison, Student Success Liaison,
Recovery, and Wellness Centers of Midwest Ohio.