At the end of last school year, Tara Phillips left after giving an inspiring presentation.

Phillips gave a speech about drug and alcohol abuse. Last year, the speech was given to the teachers, which some later said was “very interesting” and even “enjoyable.”

“I don’t want any students there because I don’t want the students abusing them to learn new tricks and how to hide their addiction,” said Phillips. “It’s more or less just to give the parents a heads up on what to look for.”

Phillips is a representative for Gateway Rehab, a place for students who need help getting back on their feet, they offer many possibilities for help. Programs are also offered at the high school.

Mrs. Tawnia St. Amant, assistant principal, also likes to be involved with our community, and help as much as she can.

“Our community isn’t what it used to be,” she said. “It’s going downhill, and I don’t want to see that in this school.”

Student council members gave students red ribbons and rubber bands to support being drug free. Yet, at the end of the day, ribbons were found torn and left on the ground and bracelets cut into pieces.

“It really shows the disrespect some students have,” Mrs. St. Amant said in referencing the disturbing image. “You would think that if students saw other students wearing these things, they would realize that it is OK to be drug free.”

When the school finds out or has any suspicion of drug abuse, they contact their parents. They have to wait for further permission to move forward. The school offers in school programs if the student wants to change. If the abuse is beyond their help, they send them to a 28-day program at Gateway Rehab, in Greensburg.

Phillips recently visited again in November, this time only allowing adults. This year presentation wasn’t necessarily for the teachers, but also for parents.

There were approximately 30 people in attendance this year. For just a parent night, Phillips said the turnout was “decent.” But in contrast, a drug summit at the high school about 10 years ago was attended by more than 800 people.

“It truly makes me smile to know that I have the opportunity to help someone,” said Phillips. “Giving up is never the answer, there’s always a brighter road ahead, I just ask them to please never give up.”