WHS "Smart Choices" Workshops
Submitted by Diane Breiner
November 19, 2007

News Release

WHS “Smart Choices” Workshops

On Thursday, November 15, the WHS Counseling Services, along with Abby Heigert and Mandy Heiman from the Wabaunsee High School FCCLA Chapter planned an afternoon of workshops to help our students learn to make “Smarter Choices”.

The afternoon began with Jim Dultmeier from the Topeka MADD Chapter talking to the whole student body about losing his daughter in an alcohol related accident.  He stressed to the student body how one bad decision can have lasting affects on many lives.  His presentation included video clips, information about drinking and driving, and a very emotional plea for the students to think before they act.

The students then divided by class into groups and rotated through the following three sessions:  Mr. Norbert Marek, Wabaunsee County Attorney, visited with each class about drugs, driving, sexual activity and the law.  He informed the students and staff about the consequences of making poor choices.  Next the students heard from a panel of inmates from the Topeka Correctional Facility.  These ladies were all in prison due to drug usage.  They spoke about how their drug addiction and the choices they made, led them into criminal activity and then into prison. They stressed to the students the importance of staying away from all types of drugs.  Finally, the students heard a presentation on Internet Safety led by Tina Boles from the Boys & Girls Club of Topeka.

She demonstrated how easy it is to trace a person’s personal information on the internet and how important to not “talk” to people on the internet that you do not know.  Each session ended with the students and staff asking questions of the presenters.

At the end of the day, each student and staff completed evaluations of each of the workshops and had an opportunity to summarize what they learned from the afternoon’s activities.  The afternoon was a very positive, learning experience for our students and staff and we appreciate the workshop presenters who took time out of their day to help our students learn the importance of making “Smart Choices” in their lives.

Abby Heigert, VP of Public Relations
Wabaunsee FCCLA Chapter

 

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