Students at Senath-Hornersville High School take part in anti-drug program, Red Ribbon Week

Kennett Communications Training Officer Justin Beard, left, and Bootheel Drug Task Force Agent John Higgins, right, show students some of the items used in manufacturing methamphetamine. Photo courtesy of Sarah Bibbs

The program was presented by Communications Training Officer Justin Beard and Bootheel Drug Task Force Agent John Higgins.

"I spoke about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and the 'Downward Spiral' these substances cause when they are being abused," Beard said. "It was explained to the students about the long term and lasting effects that alcohol can have, and the significant health problems that drinking alcohol can lead to.

"I also explained about marijuana and spoke about the different street names or slang terms used for marijuana such as 'weed' or 'dope' and the dangers that smoking marijuana cause."

Beard said the students were taught the different effects of marijuana use and different health problems that can be caused later in life for both males and females.

"Supervising Agent John Higgins spoke to the students about 'club' or 'rave' drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA) and how this party drug affects the human body and may even cause death when taken," Beard said. "Students were told how to detect certain paraphernalia used with ecstasy use and shown pictures of what the homemade pill typically looks like."

Beard said Higgins also explained about methamphetamine and how to detect the substance used in making the drug.

"Agent Higgins, along with myself, explained the dangers involved in the 'meth' making process and the importance of calling authorities when the students suspect they have found an actual methamphetamine lab."

Beard said there were several other substances explained and discussed, however, the focus was on alcohol, marijuana, ecstasy, and methamphetamine.

"I feel like the students were very responsive and open to what we had say," Beard said. "I never at any time felt like they lost interest in the presentation. We received a lot of great questions and comments from the students and received a nice reception from the faculty. I really enjoyed speaking to the students at the school from which I graduated just a few years ago in 2001."

The National Red Ribbon Week program is designed to educate young people to make the right decision about substance abuse and inform them about drugs. The National Family Partnership estimates that more than 80 million people participate in Red Ribbon events each year.

Schools, businesses, churches, media, families, and community coalitions join together each year to celebrate Red Ribbon Week by sponsoring essay and poster contests, organizing drug-free events, handing out ribbons, and various other events to encourage a drug-free lifestyle.