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The
cafeteria at Demopolis Middle School was
buzzing with excitement on January 29, 2009
when 197 sixth graders, their parents, and
special guests awaited the results of a
poster and essay contest that marked the
completion of the 6-week program for the
students.
Initiated
at the school two years ago, the LifeSkills
Training Class is a joint venture between
the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority's
GROWestAL Division, the Demopolis City
School System, the Theo Ratliff Activity
Center and the Alabama Department of Public
Health. The program is made possible by a
grant from the Alabama Department of Public
Health. The program is designed to give the
youngsters the proper tools to not only
"Say No" when offered drugs,
alcohol or cigarettes, but to excel in every
aspect of their every day lives.
Instructors
for the program are Loretta Wilson and Zina
Wiggins. DMS teachers assisting were
Patricia Bolden and Deborah Brown.
The
hour long program featured musical
selections by the Demopolis Middle School
Choir, as well as an inspiring keynote
address by Judge Marvin Wiggins in which he
called each child present to find their
special talent and use it to the best of
their abilities. He urged them to never give
up in the face of adversity and reminded
everyone present that each individual
determines whether they will succeed or fail
in life.
The
children were instructed to prepare posters
detailing why they would not use tobacco, as
well as write an essay on the same topic.
First, second and third place awards were
given in each contest with gift certificates
for $100, $50, or $25 given in each
competition to the winners.
Receiving
ribbons and awards in the poster contest
were: first place - Alicia Norton; second
place - Nicole Martin; and third place -
Ebonie Williams. Essay contest winners were:
first place - Zavione Aldredge; second place
- Alyssa Hickens; and third place - Mayra
Martinez.
All
the students were treated to a pizza party
following the ceremony. |
