Students share special drug-free message

by Larissa Marceau

The high school students — seniors Beau Johnston and Sean Rooney, and juniors Cody Gibson and Luke VanHelden  — stood in front of the Linderman students all day. Each student told his own personal story and about problems that  occurred because of drugs.

“I shared about my drug experience,” said Johnston. “I told them how messed up my family, school and life had become.”

“I basically told them my past life,” said Rooney. “Drugs got me into jail four times, I’ve been stabbed, and almost been killed because of drugs.”

Besides students that have recovered from drug use, the Linderman audience also heard from a student on why he has remained drug-free.

“I gave them a spiel about why I don’t use drugs,” said VanHelden. “I told them I have a lot of honesty with my parents, I never lie to them about where I have been. I couldn’t afford it and I want to protect my voice (because) smoking can destroy it.”

Students were all involved on a voluntary basis, hoping what they did would have some effect on the seventh graders.

“Hopefully they’ll think about what I said,” said Johnston. “ I hope they at least heard me out, but it’s really their choice.”

Students also talked about their recovery from drug use and their success stories.

“I saw where my life was going and saw the negative impact,” said  Rooney. “I was sent here from Washington, D.C., to get treatment during the summer, (and) now I am living with one of the counselors.”

“I just screwed up,” said Johnston. “Then I heard the gospel and I prayed.”

Many students at the high school can remember in grade school when high school students came and talked to their classes about drugs. Some students believe this may have no effect on the young students’ choices, but those involved are willing to share their stories hoping it will.

“I really appreciated it when people did this for me,” said VanHeldan. “I feel like I was able to dissipate my knowledge with them and I think this should happen more often.”