Students learn how to ‘Stay on Track’

    HOULTON — Members of the National Guard provided two days of instruction for seventh grade students at the Houlton Jr. Sr. High school recently. This program called, “Stay On Track”, emphasizes the negative effects of drug use. It stresses the importance of having teams in your life to support you in times of trouble, and how important it is to make good choices.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photograph/Karen Donato
STAY ON TRACK — National Guard member, Rhonda Philbrick of Hampden led a class lesson for the seventh graders on making good choices to avoid drugs and coping with other life challenges. Staying on track takes teamwork. Taking part in one of the activities were, Destiny Russell and Ryan Tribou, with Philbrick in the background.
    Students are made aware of the need to also be a good team member for others. Students were reminded that there are people in their lives that count on them to perform an important role, just as they count on others. Team members can consist of family, people in the neighborhood, classmates, teachers, and friends.
    The guardsmen discussed what happens to your body when under the influence of drugs. They stressed how your future can change in an instant. The students were given a workbook to reinforce class work and discussions.
    One activity students acted out was regarding peer pressure. For this activity a student was blindfolded and the other student guided them to avoid negative things by stepping to the left or right, short steps or long until they made it to their goal. Peer pressure can be both good and bad, depending on the team members they choose.
    This program is being implemented in all schools throughout the state.