FH Drug Abuse Coalition Offers Culture Change

The recent development of the FH Drug Abuse Coalition led by FHHS parent, Carol Groux, offers an opportunity for various stakeholder groups to make a difference with the FH adult community "cultural acceptance" of teen use of alcohol and drugs. Having been the school superintendent for three years and the co-HS principal last year, I have direct knowledge on how this behavior is promoted and supported by adults.

This adult behavior includes adult sponsored pre-functions for school Junior/Senior Prom, Homecoming and other major high school events. It includes the purchase and distribution of alcohol to groups of students without their parents knowledge. It includes not holding their children to agreed to school codes As a school district we have always forwarded information on harmful behavior directly to parents and when appropriate the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. In the case of athletic and leadership codes of conduct, we have sought to enforce student and parent agreements to not partake in this behavior in order to hold office or to participate in excurricular activities.

It has been difficult with school officials and myself facing resistance especially when loss of leadership titles or loss of playing time is involved. I have seen many young lives lost during my 30 plus years as an educator. In most cases adult indifference, denial or outright support led to the loss of teenagers' lives or major dysfunction to their educational careers.

The local schoolhouse cannot do this alone. It must involve all the community stakeholders seeking to promote education and responsibility toward the use of alcohol and drugs. It must involve adults holding adults responsible as a parent, an educator, a coach and a community member. The newly formed FH Drug Abuse Coalition offers our community a great opportunity to make a difference.