"Drug Story" drama influences RMS students

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The scene may have been scary for many of Russellville Middle School's sixth graders Friday morning, but the message was meant to be clear.
The sixth annual Drug Story, which took place at First Baptist Church, led the students through scenarios of what drug involvement can be like.
The story played out as a teenager was caught stealing methamphetamine, going to jail, rehabilitation and eventually a relapse at a party. As is the case in most of those real life circumstances, there is a tragic ending.
"It's important to teach our children about what can happen when they become involved with drugs," said Nancy Cooper, Safe and Drug Free Schools counselor for Russellville City Schools.
The community collaboration included District Judge Paula McDowell, District Attorney Joey Rushing, probation officer Kevin Strickland, Russellville police officers, Franklin County sheriff's deputies, Northstar Paramedic Services, Russellville Hospital and Russellville High School Students Against Destructive Decisions.
"It's a powerful drug preventative message," Cooper said. "We are working as a village to raise these children."
Rushing said he has seen great results from the program since becoming involved six years ago.
"These days, drugs start becoming more common at a younger age and programs like these give the kids a full picture of what can happen without having to go through it," Rushing said.