Preface Studies have shown that a great many
children have experienced illicit drugs. The generation gap
of knowledge and the magnitude and the seriousness of the
growing drug problem in high schools and middle schools
across the country needs to be addressed. Many people don't believe there is a
problem with drugs in our community. Since the public
doesn't often see the impact drugs have on our youth, we
asked our graduating seniors to address the subject from
their perspective. We felt that it was time they were given
a platform with the hope that the community will take time
to listen and act. Our hope is to encourage the legal
system (legislators, county commissioners, city board of
supervisors, state, county and local police and judges) to
take a "No tolerance" stance. This not only includes
establishing tough laws and ordinances concerning drug use
but to encourage the legal system to dole out serious
consequences to anyone who violates these laws. To get the students involved in drug
awareness and to let the community see the issue from their
perspective, we developed an essay contest.
Brookings-Harbor (OR) High School seniors were asked to
write an essay, anonymously or giving their name, about the
problems they see with illicit drugs, prescription drugs,
inhalants or dip for October, 2007 Red Ribbon month and
Substance Abuse month. The results of this the 2nd Through
My Eyes Essay Contest follow.
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