The Daviess County Public Schools district is hosting nationally recognized speaker Michael DeLeon for a series of “Straight Talk” presentations to students at all DCPS middle and high schools this week. Straight Talk is a powerful and engaging program that addresses the severe harm caused to the brain and body due to drug and alcohol abuse.
The schedule of visits is listed below. In addition, an evening presentation is planned from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Daviess County High School for parents/guardians and concerned members of our community.
Across the United States, adolescent use of marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol continue to be a significant issue, as well as the escalation of prescription drug abuse, counterfeit pills, and fentanyl.
DeLeon’s message focuses on informing students about the facts surrounding products marketed to youth, including THC products and edibles. The speaker emphasizes prevention and intervention with an evidence-based presentation designed to empower students with the knowledge to guide them in making positive and healthy choices for a lifetime.
DeLeon founded Steered Straight Inc. in 2007 as a nonprofit organization designed to carry a message to youth and young adults regarding the extreme dangers of drugs, vaping, e-cigarettes, marijuana, gang involvement, and criminal activity. The message emphasizes the importance of making sound, rational decisions in daily life.
DCHS assistant principal Lance Blue, one of the event organizers, said that in his role as assistant principal at DCHS, he had seen an increase in e-cigarettes and Juuls, “to the point that I would classify it as an epidemic,” he said. “The e-cigs/Juuls usage knows no boundaries, and it affects all walks of life and age groups.”
Schedule of visits
- Monday, Daviess County High School — Sophomores, 8:20 to 9:30 a.m.; juniors and seniors 10 to 11:10 a.m.; freshmen, 1:50 to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Daviess County Middle School — 8:40 to 9:40 a.m.; 10 to 11 a.m.
- Tuesday, College View Middle School — 1 to 2 p.m.; 2 to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, Daviess County High School — 5 to 7 p.m.
- This special presentation will address concerns of parents/guardians and members of the community who want to be empowered with knowledge and information about drug and alcohol abuse issues affecting youth. The program is sponsored by the DCPS Family Resource and Youth Service Centers and includes a free meal and door prizes. Register by Monday, Nov. 29, here.
- Wednesday, Apollo High School — Juniors and seniors, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; freshmen and sophomores, 10 to 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, Burns Middle School — 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
- Thursday, Heritage Park High School — 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (program will take place at the Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, 3415 Buckland Square)
