In recent months, it has been a rarity to read a newspaper, click through headlines, or scroll through a social media feed without seeing an article about drug abuse in the state of West Virginia. Harrison County is located in a drug “epidemic” region, with the county facing the most overdose deaths in West Virginia. 

 

But since last January, Bridgeport High School has been working to combat this growing problem in the Mountain State. The 2015-2016 year welcomed the addition of the school’s own chapter of Drug Free Clubs of America.

 

On January 29, 2015, a town hall discussion on drug abuse and overdose was held at BHS. In attendance at the event was BHS teacher and RAZE sponsor, Mrs. Anita Hornor with some of her RAZE members. “They had a table set up at the event to spread their message of tearing down tobacco lies. During the presentation, it was mentioned that there was a Drug Free Club active in the eastern panhandle. Following the meeting, one of my students said BHS needed to start this club,” Hornor explained.

 

After this, Hornor spoke to Principal Mark DeFazio about the possibility of a Drug Free Club at the school. DeFazio met with the Harrison County Board of Education, and after working through questions about the program with them, Superintendent Dr. Mark Manchin approved the request.

 

“BHS is the pilot school, and the hope is to take the program county wide,” Hornor said. “We also want to drop the program down to the middle school level because that is usually where the peer pressure starts.”

 

The Drug Free Clubs of America began in 2005 in Cincinnati, Ohio, because a group of firefighters wanted to try and resolve the issue of drugs in their community. To become a member, students apply through their school or the Drug Free Club website and then pass their drug test. In exchange for a clean test, students are issued ID cards for rewards around the community, in addition to their school. As long as they continue passing random drug tests that can come at any time, they remain eligible for rewards. Only members and their parents will receive test results, in order to keep all situations private.

 

This set up is “very comfortable” for DeFazio. “As an administrator, I don’t know the results. I like that it is just between parents and their children.” 

 

Although some may view a failed test as defeating the purpose of the club, it is another piece of the program’s mission and success. “If we alert the parents, hopefully a conversation will be prompted between them and their child. Even if a test results in finding an addiction, we can bring the issue to light and through this, hopefully change the student’s situation,” Hornor explained.

 

Whether the club helps someone who did have a problem, or further strengthens the convictions a student has for not giving into drugs, it is not there “to get anyone in trouble. We are trying to provide help,” said DeFazio.

 

And it seems that students have realized this goal. “The program is encouraging students to fix problems that may exist and offering them a fulfilling lifestyle. The club makes them become dependent on achievement, not drug use,” said junior Douglas Soule. 

 

Although the cost of membership is usually $30 for testing and other expenses, BHS students have benefitted from free membership during the club’s inaugural year. “The community of Bridgeport said our kids are worth it. The FBI Citizens Academy does a lot of fundraising to help, and local businesses have also gotten involved because they want to support our students,” Hornor said.

 

With the support of the town of Bridgeport, the club’s existence is booming much more than initially expected. “Many people told us we would be lucky to have ten or fifteen students sign up. But now we have over one hundred, with a number of students still wanting to join,” DeFazio said. “I find it very encouraging that this many students have a desire to be members. It is a great start for our first year with the program.”

 

Perhaps what is drawing so many students to the club is that it “brings students together that are interested in the common goal of being drug free,” as sophomore Landyn Hewitt, said.

 

The club is “promoting a healthy environment for me and my classmates,” according to senior Casey Stallman, and “providing members a way to lead by example in the school and community,” senior Jack Funk said.

 

The opportunities the club is providing has increased the confidence BHS students have in themselves and their decisions.

 

“As a member, I feel my parents trust me even more and my friends can further rely on me,” freshman Laiken Cook explained.

 

This confidence and recognition will also help students to succeed following their secondary education.

 

“I want to be able to show colleges that I’m drug free, because that is something I am proud of,” said sophomore Kimberly Morris.

 

Members are appreciative not only of the club offerings for themselves, but the entire student body. “I’m fortunate BHS is promoting a drug free lifestyle. I’m glad this club will allow others to see I attend a school that feels that way,” said senior Ameera Salman.    

 

While the rewards and recognition are a great asset of the program, it is also enabling students to better tackle what will be coming down the road. “We want our students to understand how much drug use can affect their lives,” Hornor said. “When they go out into the work force, they will be drug tested. If they fail, they won’t get the job. A large part of high school is getting ready for the rest of life, and this club prepares students for the reality of their future.”

 

Editor’s Note: Pictures by Erica Huezo.