Students learn drug dangers

It was no Halloween party for fifth-graders at Cedar Point Elementary on Oct. 30. Instead, students took part in a Red Ribbon Week devoted to drug awareness and organized by PTA Secretary Kim Curran.

DEA special agent Heath Anderson amused but made a strong impression on students and their teachers in an hour-long presentation on the dangers of drug use.

“Even though I’m in this suit,” he said, “we’re going to have some fun.”

Anderson began by explaining the origin of Red Ribbon Week: to honor the memory of DEA agent Kiki Camarena, killed during a drug investigation of a Mexican drug cartel. Anderson said we have to say “no” to drugs, but we also must have something positive to say “yes” to.

After distinguishing the difference between drugs and medicine, proper uses and abuse, Anderson asked the audience what happens to people who take drugs.

“They die,” said one student.

“They ruin their lives,” said another.

“They get addicted,” another student said.

Anderson called several students to the front of the crowd, asking them what they wanted to be when they grow up, what they wanted to say “yes” to. After answers such as, “vet,” “dancer,” “soccer star” and “lawyer,” Anderson declared, “Do you think if you’re on drugs you will be able to do any of those things?” Students unanimously said “no.” Anderson emphasized the need to make good decisions.

“How many here think you can die the first time you take drugs?” he asked. About two thirds of the audience raised their hands. Anderson told them even first-time users can die because drugs contain so many chemicals, users don’t know which they might be allergic to. Marijuana alone has more than 200 different chemicals, making the chance of an allergic reaction and subsequent death high.

At one point, Anderson dramatically introduced an NBA star from the Boston Celtics, a starting forward who was supposed to visit the school. He opened the cafeteria door only to have no one come in. Who were they waiting for? Len Bias, a 6-foot-6 athlete who died the first time he tried drugs.

“If a 6-6, 260-pound man died after taking drugs, what makes you think you can survive them?” Anderson asked. He told the audience Bias had made the wrong decision.

Anderson described another wrong decision: using guns. He told how he had played with a shotgun and almost killed his little brother, almost “blew his head off.” When the phrase elicited some giggles, Anderson silenced them all by telling them to have their parents look up the story of an 8-year-old-boy who had been shot and killed on a firing range.

The program wound down with a question-and-answer session, including questions from a student who wanted to know how to become a special agent.

PTA President Deanna Rutton and other members presented Anderson with a gift basket in appreciation for his time and efforts.