“Drugs are like a whirlpool dragging you into agony and despair”, this was the theme under which the entire student body of San Pedro High School observed Drug Awareness Week that ran from Monday, December 3, 2012 to Friday, December 7, 2012.
Kicking off the week of activities was the official opening ceremony which was held on Monday, December 3, 2012, where master of ceremonies Mr. Alex Nunez invited to the podium Principal of San Pedro High School, Mr. Emil Vasquez for the Welcome Address.
“Drugs are covered in most of our subjects but never have we dedicated a week to create awareness to the fact that students and drugs don’t mix,” stated Mr. Emil Vasquez. “In the past months we have come to realization that students are engaged in the use of marijuana and experimenting with cocaine. These students lack self respect, are poor disciplined, disrespect teachers, parents and their peers. It is for this reason that we are reaching out to those who are affected and try to make our school a better one. Students, together we can overcome this epidemic; our future is at stake, you are our future.”
Also addressing the student body was the Director of the National Drug Abuse Control Counctil (NDACC), Mr Esner Vellos, who enlightened them with alarming information about drug and alcohol abuse. “At a global level this issue is escalating at an alarming rate; drugs affect everyone and there is an increase of substance abuse. We need to combat substance abuse to make that meaningful change that our country so desperately needs.”
Other speakers included Councilor Kenrick Brackett, Freddie Gonzalez of San Pedro Alcohol Drug Abuse Institute (SPADAI) and Ms. Swuine Diego, President of the student council who delivered the closing remarks for the ceremony.
The week continued with several Activities including “Red Ribbon Day” on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, Founders Day on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, class presentations were also given by Robert Ruiz, Director of Interchange for Freedom Belize and Inspector Gonzalez of the San Pedro Police Department.
The week came to a close on Friday, December 7, 2012, with presentations at the school by SPADAI and skits, poems and other presentations. Students also participated in a short parade around the streets of San Pedro to give end to the first ever drug awareness week.
