If you think you know what's going on in a teenager's life, you may be mistaken.
Drugs and alcohol remain a prevalent influence in today's youth. And, whether or not you want to know that, the problem does exist and needs to be recognized.
Through My Eyes nonfiction essay contests, open to Brookings-Harbor High School seniors, is proving that today's youth are in the know about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs.
The essay contests are geared toward bringing awareness to the community and how teens feel about drug and alcohol problems.
The first contest, which happened last spring, generated 22 students essays that dealt with the pressures and usage of alcohol and its effects on every day life.
The second contest, which had 25 students essays, ended in September. It dealt with issues concerning drugs.
Gordon Clay, a Curry County resident and concerned citizen, started the Through My Eyes essay contest to give an accurate view of how teens feel about these serious issues.
"To wake up the community," said Clay, about how and why the idea of having youth write compositions concerning drugs and alcohol is important.
Clay runs two web sites. One on men's health issues and one called Citizens Who Care.
He spoke with teenagers about drug and alcohol usage in the area, and then again with adults.
The adults, Clay found, didn't believe there was a big problem, but teens in the area said differently.
"I just put 2 and 2 together and I thought, well, lets have the kids talk about it." said Clay
When he talked to local teachers about the idea, they were quick to help him out.
Principal Emmalie Lee and English teacher Art Dingle, both of BHHS, made sure students knew the essay contests.
For the first contest held last spring, and second, held last fall, Dingle made it a reqirement for the advanced students and an extra credit option for all other students.
The upcoming contest planned for March, will be a requirement for all senior English students.
"I athink it's good for the community to be aware that drugs are a constant trhreat for all students." Dingle said.
Dingle did declare, through, that a good majority of the high school students don't get involved heavily with drugs and alcohol.
"It's great to see a majority of the best and brightest students resist those dangers" said Dingle.
Entrants can either submit pieces anonymously or include their names.
Winners of the Though My Eyes essay contest will get to see their writing published in the Curry Coastal Pilot newspaper every Saturday in October, which is Substance Abuse Awareness month, sometimes known as Red Ribbon month.
The top essay will be published October 27.
The winner of the contest receives $100, and there are case prizes for first, second and third runners -up.
All entrants receive a $5 gift certificate from either Fred Meyer or Hot Shots.
For more information on the contest and drug and alcohol information log on to Clay's Web site, http://www.thecitizenswhocare.org.
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