Submitted article
The Bucyrus Secondary School’s Junior Teen Institute (JTI) team took a break from the books Jan. 16 to present a special program to second and third-grade students at Bucyrus Elementary.
The team, which consists of seventh and eighth-grade students from BSS, spent the day hosting Hands-on Museum; a free program which uses demonstrations to show the harmful effects of drug/alcohol abuse through nine visual, hands-on experiments specifically designed to make young children aware of how drugs can be harmful.
According to Crawford County Prevention Coordinator Cindy Clouner, this is the fourth year the group has presented at BES.
“The program has been so well received that we were asked to return again this year. The program is a good fit for elementary students because the activities are interesting to them. Plus, it’s never too early to start with prevention efforts.”
The program, which not only teaches young students the importance of making drug free choices, gives students the opportunity to make connections with positive role models in the community. It also gives the older students an opportunity to showcase their leadership skills, while improving their confidence and public speaking skills.
Elementary School Counselor and event coordinator Kimberly Light believes this program can give students the necessary tools to say “No” to tobacco and alcohol.
“Our goal is to help our students be informed about the serious effects tobacco and alcohol have on their health. We also want them to have the necessary refusal skills if they are approached about using these harmful substances.”
To learn more, visit www.marioncrawfordti.org or contact Light at 419-562-6089.