Vashon Island’s drug reputation a challenge
Corey Williamson
VIPIT is trying to change the drug culture on the island in hopes of saving teenage lives.
Most every year the school district hosts a different event to teach kids about drugs. Last year there was a staged drunk driving accident followed by a speech from a girl and her dad who were affected by a similar incident.
The question this year is who the new act will be and how they will present their opinions. There are speakers every year, but nothing seems to be changing. As kids leave the presentations, they are definitely shocked and touched, but how long does this last? Kids still do drugs, and kids still drink and drive. Scare tactics are not working well. It seems like these feelings of fear towards drugs and alcohol start to die away a few days after the presentation.
VIPIT (Vashon Island Prevention Intervention Team) is considering splitting up the grades.
“I think that having upperclassmen and underclassmen in the same assembly is not an effective strategy because there are different levels of maturity and opinion involved,” said VIPIT board member senior Meme Garcia.
