This special program seeks to warn Franklin County students against using drugs by showing them the ultimate consequences.

By Brandi Miller

For the FCT

Sixth grade students from across Franklin County were able to see a very accurate and memorable consequence of drug abuse in the Drug Story program hosted by SADD and HOSA. The program took place at Red Bay Freewill Baptist Church, and students were bused from schools across the county at various points throughout the day to watch the program.

“If this program makes an impact on only one student, it is well worth it,” said SADD and HOSA sponsor Dr. Kay Hargett.

This is the seventh year for the program, and every year students leave with a new understanding of the dangers of drug abuse.

“I learned what the final outcome will be when you take drugs,” said Red Bay High School sixth grader Mason Bates.

The program allows students to see the various consequences of drug abuse by portraying and showing different scenes of a student’s ultimate decision to abuse drugs and his/her journey through drug abuse.

“I liked the fact the program shows you what would happen if you take drugs,” said sixth grade student Sarah Eaton. Classmate Ethan Winchester agreed with Eaton. “I liked the party and the fact it showed you what might happen if you overdosed.”

Numerous students from HOSA and SADD and the youth of Red Bay Freewill Baptist Church help as volunteers to assist with this program.  Besides the students and youth, Judge Paula McDowell, District Attorney Joey Rushing, juvenile probation officer Kevin Strickland, Freewill Baptist Church pastor Steve Lindsay, Freewill Baptist Church youth director David Corum, Chief Jana Jackson and the Red Bay police department, Shoals Ambulance service, Krista Scott, Katrine Moore, Phoebe Harrison, Carolyn Barksdale, Sharon Strickland, Red Bay Hospital staff, Sue Hellums and the dietary department of the Red Bay Hospital, Dean Deaton Funeral Home, Redmont Trading, Rebecca Ray and all other volunteers made the program a huge success again this year.