Friday, September 23, 2005 – America’s Promise mentors Nick Arnie, Mike Austin, Tracy Easterling, Trina Carr, Kathy Hickie, Pamela Hoss, and Janice Russell, and their student mentees hosted a Drug Free – Bully Free – Back to School Bash on Friday, September 23rd for over 350 Vance Middle School students. The Bash was organized as an event to promote a drug free – bully free environment at school and in the community and to encourage students to donate school supplies to victims of Hurricane Katrina. Students collected 5 boxes of school supplies that have already been shipped to Louisiana.
The Bash began with guest speakers from the Bristol Tennessee Police Department and Attorney Gene Perrin. Officer Bowers inspired students to always do their best in school and throughout life by staying off of drugs and resisting peer pressure. Officer Sergeant brought his police dog to perform various obedience skills that he had taught him. He informed students about how police dogs are used in the line of duty. Prosecuting Attorney Gene Perrin presented hard facts about the dangers of meth by using 10 students to demonstrate the percentages of people who will stay addicted for life, kick the habit, or die from the use of it. He encouraged students to take a stand against bullies and not to bully each other. Mr. Perrin spoke about the number of school shooters who had been bullied and emphasized to students that in every case, someone knew before hand that the shooter had planned the attack.
After the assembly the fun part of the event began. Over 30 parent volunteers, organized by Mrs. Ronan King, Vance P.T.S.A. President, along with 60 America’s Promise students adorned in neon yellow AP shirts helped serve pizza, cookies, snow cones, and drinks donated by Coca Cola. Then they headed to the practice field for the real challenges: bulldog tug-of-war; bounce houses, laser tag, the obstacle course, bungee run, jousting, and karaoke. The highlight of the event was Mr. Kind and Mr. Latham being dunked by students and teachers in the dunking booth. Captain Tommy McDaniels announced and gave pointers to each thrower as they stepped up to the mound.
America’s Promise Mentors were thrilled with the student and parent participation. Mr. Arnie exclaimed, “This is the most fun that I have every had at Vance!”
By: Tracy Easterling, Prevention Coordinator, Vance Middle School