Houston Middle School Student Interviews National Guard for Red Ribbon Week
ANGOLA, NY – A W.G. Houston Middle School student interviewed two New York National Guard soldiers about drug prevention for a Red Ribbon Week segment on Eagle News Jr.
Jayce K. sat down with Staff Sergeant Tracy Pawlik and Specialist Mae Enoc on Thursday, October 15. Both serve with the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. Their team visits schools and community groups to help young people and adults make healthy choices.
The interview was Jayce's idea. He met the soldiers this summer, when they led team-building activities for a Lake Shore Central School District summer program. They are partners in the Community Resources Coalition. When planning started for Red Ribbon Week, Jayce suggested bringing them back.
What the Soldiers Want Students to Know
Staff Sergeant Pawlik said small choices can lead to bigger problems. The habits and coping skills students learn now shape their lives for years. She added that students can make a real difference in their friend groups by encouraging each other to make healthy choices.
The soldiers pointed out that the part of the brain that makes decisions does not finish developing until about age 25. That is why they say the earlier students hear this message, the better.
Specialist Enoc, who is 22, shared her own story. In high school, some choices seemed cool and normal. Looking back, she said they cost her friends and opportunities. Now she wants to help point younger students in the right direction.
“There's plenty of resources to help you. You've got the counselor, the social worker. Talk to any teacher, or just talk to a friend, so you can get the help that you need.”
Jayce K., W.G. Houston Middle School
Why Red Ribbon Week Matters
Specialist Enoc explained that Red Ribbon Week began in honor of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was killed in the line of duty. Staff Sergeant Pawlik called it a chance “to shine a spotlight on something that a lot of people are oftentimes not comfortable talking about.” She has a 12-year-old son in 7th grade, so the topic hits close to home.
Her biggest advice went beyond drugs: take care of each other, notice when a friend is having a hard time, and make sure everyone feels included. Specialist Enoc added a message for every student: “Keep an open mind and an even bigger heart.”
Jayce prepared his questions with help from Miss Worthington, a prevention specialist with WNY United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse. The interview will air on Eagle News Jr. during Red Ribbon Week, October 23 to 31.
“That's the whole message of Red Ribbon Week. It's making sure everybody knows that if we choose to live drug free, we prevent all of those negative things.”
Hillary Worthington, Prevention Specialist, WNY United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse
