Students say ‘no’ to drugs and alcohol
Marissa Reichard (left), Jerica Meana, Cole Willie and Alex McNally are the officers of the new MFL MarMac club SODA (Students Opposing Drugs and Alcohol). (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
MFL MarMac high school students are making a commitment to remain drug- and alcohol-free through the new student organization SODA (Students Opposing Drugs and Alcohol).
The school’s drop-out prevention specialist, Jackie McGeough, developed the idea last school year and serves as the group’s advisor.
“I checked into it because I knew they didn’t have anything here geared toward substance abuse prevention. It drops off after fifth grade,” she said.
McGeough contacted the Clayton County Community Collaboration Council, or 5C, which helps combat substance abuse in the county (especially among youth), to see what other schools in the area do.
SODA got off the ground last spring, with a few students attending a retreat facilitated by 5C and participating in some community service projects.
This fall, the club really got going. To date, between 55 and 60 students have signed contracts denouncing substance abuse—quite a feat for such a young organization. Some of that has to do with peer pressure, noted club vice president Alex McNally. But it’s a good kind of peer pressure.
“If someone goes, their friends will go with,” he remarked.
McGeough estimated the group is largely comprised of freshmen and sophomores, but said that’s good.
“It’s nice to get them involved early, so that hopefully they’ll stick with it,” she said.
What does SODA do? Each month, the club organizes an activity based around the month’s substance abuse theme. For example, one month, the theme was “don’t let drugs and alcohol twist your mind.” Club members handed out pretzels to students, McNally shared.
The group is also planning another retreat opportunity through 5C. They hope to collaborate with other SODA groups from schools in the area, as well. In the spring, they’re going to “cup” one of the fences on school grounds, using cups to create a substance abuse prevention message.
In addition, students help educate others. During Red Ribbon Week, at the end of October, SODA members visited the McGregor Center. They promoted a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle through fun games and creating posters and commercials. Members also had Q&A sessions with the younger students.
“They asked some good questions,” said Marissa Reichard, SODA’s secretary. It was important to tell the middle schoolers, “if they don’t like [doing drugs and alcohol], they’re not alone.”
Another SODA officer, Jerica Meana, agreed: “It’s good to let them know that high school is not just about drinking and partying.”
At MFL MarMac, drinking is the predominant form of substance abuse, said SODA president Cole Willie. That’s followed by chewing tobacco, smoking, then marijuana use, he added.
McGeough said prescription drug abuse also has to be considered.
Pressure to try these things starts as early as middle school, Reichard said, so it’s important to inform middle school students of the dangers and consequences early.
“I hope we reach more of the younger kids,” she said.
Seventh grade is the key time, Meana mentioned. By eighth grade, “some think it’s a joke, so you have to get them early.”
SODA also provides a haven for those in high school who aren’t interested in drinking, smoking or trying drugs. While the members admitted some in the student body think the club is a joke, they’re sticking to their guns.
“The consequences are just not worth it,” Willie said.
That’s especially true, Meana said, when you have a job and are involved in extra-curricular activities and sports.
Plus, McNally shared, there are other alternatives in order to have fun.
McGeough applauds their beliefs.
“It’s impressive for them to stick to their morals and values,” she said.
