Hopatcong Hopes Students 'Too Smart to Start' Drinking Alcohol

Hopatcong's sixth-graders got a lesson in alcohol use Tuesday.

Students participated in an hour-long Center for Prevention and Counseling presentation called "Too Smart to Start" in the library, discussing the perils of alcohol with program coordinators and older students.

It was the second of a four-week CPC program aimed at bringing "awareness to the kids regarding alcohol and other drugs," Program Coordinator Tina Thompson said.
Middle school Principal Lou Benfatti was excited about the program.

"It provides substance to everyday culture," he said, "everyday things that are happening. [The CPC] can really relate what's going on to the kids. They're able to explain a lot that they kids don't fully understand, whether its drinking or drug abuse."

Thompson and CPC members Patrice Reilly and Dot DelCampo stood before a projection screen for most of the presentation, outlining the consequences of underage drinking, drunk driving and other alcohol-related issues. Eighth-grader Cole Swanson, 14, and freshman Belle Ward, 15, also spoke against alcohol use during the presentation.

Swanson and Ward began the presentation, asking students questions such as, "Should the drinking age be 18?" and "Who do kids rely on to give good advice?" Then the sixth-graders conferred with classmates and answered before the room.

The presentation's second half was interactive, as students used clickers to anonymously answer multiple-choice questions about drug use.

"We really focus on anti-drugs, what else kids can do, who they can go to if they have a problem, whether it's a family member or a friend," Thompson said. "Really, it's really just about bringing awareness out there and identifying resources."

Thompson said interacting with students was important.

"When kids have something in their hands," Thompson said, referring to the clickers, "it goes so much better. That's what you need. That's how kids learn."

The program gave an overview of drug awareness called "Straight Talk." Next week, the CPC will give a cyberbullying presentation. In two weeks, the program will conclude with a lesson on peer pressure.

Thompson said the program was funded via grants.