Students Defy Lure Of Drugs With Program
The paper cup was smaller and flimsier than the Coeur d’Alene sophomore expected. She wrinkled her nose, disappeared into the bathroom, then gingerly handed the full cup to parent volunteers.
The surprise drug test at school didn’t faze the girl for an instant. When she joined the Idaho Drug Free Youth program, she’d volunteered to prove her drug-and alcohol-free condition at any time during the school day.
Maybe she wanted to be an example for other students. Maybe she just wanted the rewards IDFY (pronounced “I defy”) offers non-using students - discounts at stores and restaurants, special ski rates and rafting trips.
Amy Bartoo doesn’t ask kids their motivation for joining IDFY. She’s just happy to have them.
“Kids set the standard for what’s cool and what isn’t,” says Amy, who’s 35. She’s directed IDFY for nearly six years. “These kids can really help their friends, encourage a groundswell. It’s possible.”
Amy is no cockeyed optimist, but she’s hopeful enough to attract teenage interest rather than derision. In schools populated with know-it-all adults, Amy is refreshingly receptive to kids’ ideas.
“I was intimidated by the kids at first,” she admits. “But I discovered a wealth of really positive energy in them. There are kids who really understand the devastation drugs and alcohol can do. They had great ideas and I had to listen.”
Students wanted to perform skits on substance abuse for younger kids. They wanted activities available for kids when schools were out. They wanted more drug tests. Amy delivered and interest in IDFY exploded.
This year in Kootenai County, about 2,000 middle and high school kids have joined IDFY. They sell their friends and other schools on the program. Now Amy wants that kind of enthusiasm in the community.
“The community’s apathetic,” she says as if she’s fed up with a misbehaving child. “It’s the age of the parents and what they experienced with drugs and alcohol. It’s hopelessness after fighting the drug war for the last 10 years.”
Red Ribbon Week, which honors community drug warriors and celebrates drug-free lives, starts in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday. Students have poured their idealistic energy into planning the week’s activities. Amy hopes the community responds.
“Working in the schools has given me a sense of hope because I’ve experienced the strength within these kids and seen what they can accomplish,” she says. “Now, if parents would commit to being impeccable role models, that would be pretty wonderful.”
On Tuesday, students will stretch a red ribbon along Sherman Avenue through downtown Coeur d’Alene from 4 to 6:30 p.m. to catch the quarters of people opposed to substance abuse. Business owners who want to show their support should call Amy for ideas at 664-4339.
Wrong number
Mullan’s Ken Smith is listed next to Kellogg’s Ken Smith in the telephone book so callers often are confused. Kellogg’s Ken sells cars, which Mullan’s Ken finds pretty funny.
One caller reached Mullan’s Ken and asked if he was Ken Smith. “Yes,” replied Ken. So the caller said, “Can I have that car I was looking at for $2,000?” Ken said sure and the caller thanked him and hung up.
Now Ken wishes he knew if the guy got the car or not.
Scary scenes
Hayden’s Joseph Warren says he and his wife planted a graveyard by their house for Halloween. It’s overseen by a scarecrow and a tall ghost. They live at 530 Golden Sun Court, just west of U.S. Highway 95 off Hanley Avenue.
Another hair-raiser is on the corner of 18th and Idaho in Post Falls and this one even has strobe lights. Seen more? Give details quickly to Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; fax to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or E-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.
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