THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 31, 1995 TAG: 9505270153
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LINDA MCNATT, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 108 lines
Emily Sarver, an eighth-grader at Smithfield Middle School, recently impressed judges of an essay contest when she hinted that some people think her home county is ``a place where nothing ever happens.''
But in a brief essay entitled ``Prevention Is the Key,'' Sarver said things do happen in Isle of Wight. People make wrong decisions. And sometimes those decisions affect their lives forever.
For those wise words, the youngster won Best Overall in the competition sponsored annually for the past three years by the Isle of Wight County Substance Abuse Council. She also won a $200 savings bond for her effort.
Sarver is the daughter of Stephen and Pat Sarver of Smithfield.
Some of the students wrote about why they will never use drugs or alcohol, said Curt More, chairman of the contest. Some wrote about family tragedies that have influenced them. And they wrote in story as well as poetry form.
The contest winners and their parents were recognized by the Isle of Wight School Board at its May 11 meeting.
Here is a selection of the students' essays:
`Prevention is the Key'' Emily Sarver, overall first place
``Hey kid, wanna try some of this stuff? The high is great. Come on! What, are you chicken?''
These are the words spoken every day to teens, even kids, by other teens and adults. These persuasions and threats are scary, but yet all the time one more person is throwing away their future by abusing drugs and alcohol. Yes, even right here in Isle of Wight County, a place where nothing ever happens, people are constantly making bad decisions, decisions that could affect their lives forever.
I believe the only possible way to stop drug and alcohol abuse is to start preventing it. Prevention is the key and it comes through education. Through education and a high self esteem, I believe we, as a society, can (and must) start effectively preventing drug and alcohol abuse. It's sad to know the problem has reached our community, but it has, and we cannot give up hope now, for there is a solution. We can all come to it if only we work together.
Untitled, by Ann Marie Griffin, Windsor High School, senior
Who am I? Have you any idea? Actually, most of you know me quite well by now, for I am sure I have crept into your lives in some form or another.
Maybe a friend or family member has fallen victim to my prey, maybe that driver who slammed head-on into your mother's car last December was under my influence, or perhaps it was me who persuaded you to dance naked on the roof top.
Who am I? Have you no clues? Many of you turn to me, sometimes one by one, sometimes in droves. Your reasons are many, your stories the same.
Perhaps you are in your darkest hour, or maybe you just want something to do on Saturday night.
It matters not, for all will come to one end. With lightning speed I will seep into your veins, grip your soul, and dominate your mind.
Who am I?
``Why I Choose To Be Drug and Alcohol Free'' Erin James, Smithfield Middle School, eighth grade
Have you ever thought about how drugs and alcohol affect your life? Your brain, your heart, and everything else is harmed. At the same time, it harms others. Alcohol and drugs cause accidents, loss of jobs, abuse, divorce, crime and so many other things.
When you buy drugs and alcohol you just waste money. When you get caught you have to pay again. You go to court, pay a fine and serve a jail sentence.
Just think what kind of world this would be if everyone used drugs and alcohol. The crime rate would skyrocket and families would be hurt. That's a scary thought! The world is bad enough as it is.
I have seen these problems second hand in the lives of two cousins. One of them has decided to turn his life around. The other one is still abusing alcohol. Their alcoholism has ruined relationships, a marriage, job opportunities, and trust. Their problems have shown me the reality of substance abuse. Because I want better, I will stay drug and alcohol free!
``What Drug and Alcohol Abuse Does to One's Family and Community'' Christine Casper, Isle of Wight Academy, 10th grade
Drug and alcohol abuse has become widespread. It holds no discrimination against age, gender, status, or nationality. The effects of such abuse take its toll on the physical body as well as the emotional mind of the abuser and his or her family.
Drugs and alcohol can drain the finances of a family, especially if a parent is the abuser. Substance abuse can make liars and stealers out of one's family. It can be the cause of many pointless arguments that can often be recurring. It forms distrust between family members. It will tear a family apart.
The epidemic of substance abuse in the community can destroy, making it a dangerous environment to live in. Violence is most likely to follow drug and alcohol abuse.
Parents cannot let their children go out to play for fear they will be hurt or pushed into taking drugs and alcohol.
Substance abuse is detrimental, causing the breakdown of the family and community.
``Why I Choose To Be Drug and Alcohol Free'' Altreece N. Holland, Carrsville Elementary, fourth grade I choose to be drug and alcohol free because drugs and alcohol are harmful to the mind and body. When someone uses drugs and alcohol, it causes many problems.
Homes are broken up, friends are lost, or you get in trouble or even die. I love my family and friends, and I want to get a good education and become a lawyer. To become successful in everything I do, I will have to have a good mind and body so that I can make good grades in school.
If anyone wants to be successful, he or she must have a dream to make a difference in the world. I hope everyone will join me and choose to be drug and alcohol free. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LINDA McNATT
Emily Sarver was awarded a $200 savings bond for her winning essay.
by CNB