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Show Bangerter visits Viewmont to gather support for new anti-drug school program By TOM HARALDSEN Editor VIEWMONT Governor Norman H. Bangerter came to Viewmont High Tuesday morning to kick off a new statewide antidrug anti-drug program he hopes will persuade per-suade students to avoid substance abuse. Speaking at a press conference before Viewmont students, the Governor outlined his new Project Teamwork campaign, which is designed to encourage local involvement invol-vement in school programs to combat com-bat drug use. "Although Utah's drug problem is not as severe as that which exists in many other states, Utah must do all it can to lessen drug abuse," he said. "This program means a lot to me because all of you mean a lot to ! me." j " In a prepared release, Bangerter office officials explained that Project Teamwork has three goals. First, to bring together parents, ; students, faculty and staff,' community com-munity leaders and others to combat com-bat drug use. Second, to use these teams to develop an action plan so every school in Utah will educate students and adults about drugs. And third, the program wants each high school in the state to accept the challenge to be a school without drugs. Project Teamwork was developed by the Governor's staff and members of the Governor's Drug Advisory Council, along with the Utah Federation for Drug Free Youth, the PTA, Utah State Office of Education, local alcohol and drug authorities and a number of sponsoring businesses. The program will ask high schools to develop teams who will attend a seminar to help create a drug-free school plan for each campus. "I'm excited about what Project Teamwork can mean to Utah's high school students," the governor stated. "Funded through federal drug prevention money, and local and corporate contributions, Project Teamwork is a unique opportunity to truly do something about drugs " Jan Bullock, president of the Utah Federation, also spoke, adding that her organization was happy to be working with the state on this program. She introduced Tim Wheelwright, studentbody president presi-dent of Weber High School and a member of the national federation youth council. Wheelwright read a poem to students, asking them to look in the mirror at the person facing them each morning. "If you can look that person in the eye and be proud of what you've done, you'll be happy in your everyday life. Drugs will not make you happy." He also said that the goal of the program is to prevent those students who might be "borderline" from crossing over into drug use. "Obviously we have a number of students each day who are already out in the parking lots during school hours. We're hoping they'll get the message and come back. But for all the others who might be wavering, trying to decide, this program will give them every reason to avoid using drugs and ruining their lives." j jj wit? I . I ' - ftKw ,y G i) ' ' PHOTO BY TOM HARALDSEN Utah Governor Norman H. Bangerter told students at Viewmont High School on Tuesday that his new anti-drug program in state high schools is something he cares about, because he cares about youth. The governor kicked off the campaign with a press conference at Viewmont. |
