Lenape Elementary Students Now Part of ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ Team
Lenape Elementary students take a pledge against alcohol, tobacco and other drugs with Judge Gary DeComo yesterday afternoon during his ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ assembly - which recognized community leaders part of his ‘team’ and this year’s poster contest winners.
by Jonathan Weaver
More than 200 Lenape Elementary 5th and 6th graders were ‘recruited’ to the ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ team by District Magisterial Judge Gary DeComo yesterday.
The students excitedly raised their hands and applauded after seeing the other recognizable athletes, local leaders and emergency responders that have resisted drugs and alcohol.
Those names and faces yesterday included former NFL (and Ford City) Quarterback Gus Frerotte, District Attorney Scott Andreassi and Armstrong County Sheriff Bill Rupert and two of his deputies.
“You have a choice in life: you can follow successful people like this who had discipline, a healthy lifestyle and said no to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs – that’s how they became successful, DeComo said.
“They’re on my team – the ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ team.”
The drug prevention program is celebrating its 15th year in Armstrong County schools, and Judge DeComo ‘drafted’ a few new star players for yesterday’s 15th anniversary presentation: including Frerotte and former Ford City and U.S. Naval Academy baseball star Paul Lhote.
“We just moved back to Pittsburgh a few years ago, and (this was) really the first opportunity I’ve had to do some charity work – any time I can help (Judge DeComo) out and come to my home, I want to be a part of it,” Frerotte said.
Even though it was also Lhote’s first ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ event, he was honored to be a part of it.
“This is one of the best programs in Armstrong County – it’s tough out there, and you need to have good leadership, good people in the community. There’s nobody better than Gary DeComo for these kids.”
Judge DeComo was inspired to create and name the program ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ after looking closely at the winning Manor Township Lions drug prevention poster – drawn by Lenape Elementary graduate Tara (Powers) Maruca.
Maruca – a 2008 Ford City graduate – is now a Life Skills teacher for about two dozen students at Blairsville High School.
“I didn’t think (her poster would inspire) something like this – I hope (Judge DeComo) comes out to our school this year,” Maruca said.
Maruca also received a football autographed by former Pittsburgh Steeler Jack Lambert.
This year’s poster contest winners – including some from Lenape Elementary, as well as other Armstrong schools - were also recognized yesterday. Their drawings will be in this year’s calendar.
Students who signed the youth pledge against using alcohol and other drugs were eligible to receive other Steelers, Penguins and Pirates memorabilia during the assembly.
“If we increase prevention, we’ll decrease addiction and crimes committed by people with an addiction,” Judge DeComo said. “I appreciate the support I get from the community – all these people came out not for me, but for the program.”
Further good behavior and attendance is being encouraged with a raffle to win a football autographed by Pittsburgh Steelers star Wide Receiver Antonio Brown.
Local News, Armstrong School District | jweaver September 17, 2015
By Just sayin, September 17, 2015 @ 10:25 PM
They should get recovering addicts to speak, as well. Perhaps show some of the older students various cases from the Intervention show on TV.
With permission from patients, maybe students could tour rehab centers and see what effects drug usage and abusive drinking can do to people. Or perhaps students could tour neonatal centers to view babies born with addictions.
A harsher impression needs to be implanted in children’s brains. The drug usage around the world is not decreasing. A new approach is needed.
The current approach is a good start, but it needs developed more.
Using football stars for a positive image is wonderful, but not all stars are drug-free.
Kids are bored. Some start using drugs and alcohol because they are bored.
They could be helping to build various projects through donations and learning new skills from volunteers, etc.
They need to get out and get off of their computers and gaming stations. Music, art, and physical education through grants and volunteerism would be a wise distraction, especially for high-risk children.
By heardenoughalready, September 20, 2015 @ 10:40 PM
Just saying
Please keep your ex addicts away from our children! Let them speak to adults if it does your blind misguided bleeding heart good, but in your own words these are diseased individuals, who because of their disease have a penchant for breaking the law. Not exactly the kind of personalities I want providing any kind of guidance or advice to my children. I think Mr Jensen hit the proverbial nail on the head when called you a liberal moron.
By mad-2010, September 21, 2015 @ 4:52 AM
There are plenty of teen ex addicts out there that could speak to other teens! No, Jensen didn’t hit the nail on the head!
By jerry6, September 21, 2015 @ 12:20 PM
heardenoughalready: You are taking a page from Jensen’s book calling someone a liberal moron. You remind me of Fred Honsberger who worked for KDKA who said if you are a democrat, you are not a Christian. I am a democrat and am a Christian. To lump all people into one category because they are liberal is stupid. Even though I am not Catholic, I wouldn’t degrade all of the Catholics so excited about the pope coming to America. I don’t agree with Catholics beliefs but will not run them down. You people are so behind times with your thinking. Get out of Kittanning and see what the rest of the world is like.
By Just sayin, September 21, 2015 @ 1:31 PM
heardenoughalready: shouldn’t it be “sawenoughalready?” We are writing here, not speaking.
I love when you guys write that I am a moron. Keep it going. It thrills me!
By Just sayin, September 21, 2015 @ 4:50 PM
All kidding aside, I’m quite serious about showing teens people who are detoxing in a controlled setting (of course) with their permission. They need to know what drugs can do to people. That is way more effective than just “telling” what drugs can do.
Look, not all people are addicted to illegal drugs. Doctors and preachers can be addicted to pain killers, sleeping pills, etc. DON’T generalize! That is SO wrong. Addiction is a disease. Why don’t you go tell all the drug counselors and ARC MANOR personnel that addiction isn’t a disease. Are you a doctor or scientist, or is this just your uneducated opinion?
In addition, heardenoughalready, not all addicts break the law by robbing and murdering.
The moron, Just writin’ (Just sayin’)
By Just sayin, September 21, 2015 @ 9:09 PM
heardenough: If you’re going to quote me, do it correctly.
I never would call addicts “diseased individuals.” Those were NOT my words.
I said ADDICTION is a DISEASE. And furthermore, they are not MY “ex addicts.”
Kids and adults need to know what rock bottom looks like.
Would you teach your children about the poor of India by reading a book to them or by taking them to see the poor of India first hand? Which one leaves a lasting impression and a lesson learned?
Obviously, we need to further educate our children by trying different tactics, not necessarily by mine. The drug problem is at an all-time “HIGH.”
By Just sayin, September 21, 2015 @ 9:38 PM
And I’m the blind, misguided…moron?
Quote from heardenoughalready,March 25, 2013 regarding organ donors:
“You should not give away your body parts. A full body is needed for resurrection. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Do not set yourself up for a one way trip to hell.”
Wow. Your credibility just went out the window. Shame on you.
By Just sayin, September 21, 2015 @ 9:48 PM
Jerry6: Catholics aren’t the only ones who are excited about Pope Frances coming to America! Many of the young are listening to his wisdom. He is an amazing humanitarian. Thanks for not degrading.
I have nothing against others’ religions except for those who teach hatred and intolerance.
Heardenoughalready is drinking the Jensen juice, Scotty sauce, roadrocket rum, and Worthington whiskey all from one giant flask.
I’m thinking the “Twilight Zone.”
By Just sayin, September 22, 2015 @ 9:27 AM
It’s Pope Francis. I hope he inspires a lot of the youth of our nation.
By heardenoughalready, September 22, 2015 @ 12:14 PM
Justsayin
I am a Christian. Full time Christian.I believe in the literal Bible. I don’t believe in picking and choosing what I want to believe. I don’t pretend homosexuality is not a sin, I don’t pretend that killing babies is not a sin. You can believe what you want to believe in and I shall do the same. If you must mock me , thasn mock me. Your soul will be the one burning in Hell. You Bat crap crazy loon!
By steve, September 22, 2015 @ 2:07 PM
When I was in high school they had former addicts come in and talk to us. It’s not a new concept and it’s been done for years.
Anyone who is unaware of this and is bashing people for suggesting it obviously needs to get out of the house once in a while.
By Just sayin, September 22, 2015 @ 5:07 PM
heardenoughalready: So you THINK you are CHRISTIAN???? Jesus wouldn’t call someone a “bat crap crazy loon!”
Whoa!
But alas! You ARE picking and choosing what you want to believe in the Bible. You are choosing to think it is wrong to be an organ donor because of the Biblical quote. You TWISTED the words to your own liking.
Well, if you are taking this quote literally, it reads that one should honor his body.
Nowhere it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that the body should be whole prior to resurrection. Maybe you are reading from a Jehovah’s Witness Bible?
The Jewish faith believes in this way of thinking (to be whole after death — even so far as that if one gets his leg amputated, he keeps it until his death and is buried with it).
So, if we all think like you, many of the Civil War soldiers who were blown to pieces are going to HELL because they were buried with missing body parts? That is SO TWISTED. Jesus would NEVER EVER think that way. Talk about MISGUIDED!!!!
The little embryos who aren’t fully developed (missing parts) are going to go to Hell, too??? Really???
Jesus spoke in parables — his parables are NOT MEANT to be taken LITERALLY!! The Bible itself is from various interpretations. God wants us to THINK about the writings, not take every word literally. That is the MYSTERY and MIRACLE of the Bible.
You don’t believe in killing embryos, but you think it is okay to let a child die who could be saved with another’s lung, liver, heart, etc.?! TWISTED SISTER!!
Modern medicine and procedures came way after the Bible was written. Are you not going to take an aspirin because aspirin is unmentioned in the Bible?
Do you HONESTLY think Jesus wouldn’t help a drug addict? Do you, honestly?
If Heaven pertains to your way of thinking, I don’t want to go there. YOU are SCARY!
By Just sayin, September 24, 2015 @ 8:58 PM
heardenoughalready: Judge not, lest ye be judged. You have backward thinking.
How do you know that the addict you see asking for help isn’t God in disguise.
Better watch out; karma is a unspayed female dog.
By Just sayin, September 24, 2015 @ 8:59 PM
How do you know that the addict you see asking for help isn’t God in disguise?
By Just sayin, September 24, 2015 @ 9:00 PM
Get off your HIGH horse!
By ktown_kid, September 25, 2015 @ 9:47 AM
Addiction is not a disease, its a personal choice
By Rat_Smeller, September 25, 2015 @ 12:35 PM
There is another group of people that took the word of their God literally. That group is Al-Queda and they flew airplanes into buildings murdering thousands of people. Do not mistake me here. I am not saying Fundamentalist Christians are out to murder innocent people. I do think they operate from a flawed perception though. A good example would be the Congregation of the Westboro Baptist Church and their antics. The Bible was written by several men over several centuries. These men wrote the books of the Bible and they added their own perception of the way they saw things in that day and age. Am I saying that we need to throw out the Bible? No. What I am saying is read the whole book, give serious thoughts to its teachings, honestly examine your conscience and live your life accordingly. Also, If your going to stand up and say that you are a Christian and that you follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, then you need to do it all. Not just what’s convenient or easy. That means you are going to have to do more than to park your butt in church on Sunday and read your Bible. You need to get out there and feed the hungry, clothe the naked and heal the sick. Making donations so someone else will take care of this for you doesn’t count. You can’t deny the least of your fellow man.
By heardenoughalready, September 25, 2015 @ 11:33 PM
Miss just sayin
It takes more to be a Christian than just quoting scripture. God would not be a filthy drug addict. God will not shine on those who kill babies and those who support it. You were able to dodge the coat hanger so why cant all babies. You are supposed to be strong in Gods eyes, not weak. Drug users are weak and criminals. I am sad for you cause you may burn in hell unless you repent. I will put you on the prayer chain at church.
By Just sayin, September 28, 2015 @ 9:51 AM
heardenoughalready: Please don’t pray for me. I don’t want or need your prayers or prayers from your wacked-out church, you hypocrite. Worry about your own soul.
I’m not a Miss.
You are exactly right. It DOES take more to be a Christian than just quoting scripture. Follow your own advice.
I shouldn’t even attemp to attempt to rationalize with you. You are not rational and of sound mind.
Not all drug addicts are criminals, by the way.
It has been proven by medical doctors and researchers that there is an addictive gene that is passed on to the next generation, especially from a father to a son. This makes SOME more susceptible to be an alcoholic or drug addict.
“A filthy drug addict,” you wrote. Wow; you are TOTALLY NOT Christian.
Are you Mary, the Holy Mother, since you think you can throw stones at people?
So, you couldn’t counterpoint my thoughts on the body being “whole prior to resurrection,” so
you evade and come up with “It takes more to be a Christian than just quoting scripture?”
By Just sayin, September 28, 2015 @ 9:55 AM
You must be drinking the Jensen Juice Heardenoughalready. He evades counterpoints a LOT! And you people can ME the idiot, crazy loon, moron!
I had enough already of your hypocritical BS.
By Just sayin, September 28, 2015 @ 10:02 AM
Rat: Al-Queda does not literally follow the Koran. If they did, they wouldn’t be murdering. They are an extremist off-shoot who make their own rules.
Muslims do NOT believe in killing people.