Sitting in on the LEAD…Law Enforcement Against Drugs – commencement program for fifth graders at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary school the other morning gave me one more reason to appreciate the outstanding police department that serves the borough. Not only the officers involved in the program which runs throughout the year but also the Chief of Police thinks it’s important enough to be part of the ceremony. Loved Officer Travis urging students to stop and say Hi to him when they see him on the street or in their neighborhood. And also loved the Chief reminding these same students that while Officer Travis is certainly their friend and will remain that no matter what, he is still going to be sure they obey all the laws and even while he is doing that he will still continue to be their friend.
We take such neighborliness for granted in our great Bayshore towns and communities, but how many youngsters grow up not knowing the friendship and understanding of a police officer, simply because they haven’t had the opportunity as our kids do, to be friends from the start.
That the officers and program have a positive impact on the kids is evidenced in the winning essay in the contest the LEAD program sponsored for the fifth graders. Each of the essays was terrific, as Officer Travis made clear, but one was pretty outstanding and that author was Finley Murphy. Apparently the whole class was delighted as well at Finley’s honor since the applause and cheers were thunderous!. And that was another nice thing I observed at the ceremony. These kids really like each other, and are really happy when one or more of them is singled out for excellence.
Finley’s essay is well worth reading and enjoying.
This year in 5th grade I was very appreciative to be a part of the LEAD program with the Police Officers from Atlantic Highlands. During our classes I have learned that the decisions I make in my life now affect the person I will someday become.
The LEAD program has taught me so many things that will always stay with me if ever I’m faced with peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, and bullying. I will carry the things I’ve learned when making decisions in my life.
I think the LEAD program helps kids to understand why and how to NOT do drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and to not bully anybody. It is so important to kids and I hope all schools have this awesome program. I learned why people should never do drugs, and I know I never will.
Drugs are bad for your body and drugs cause a lot of problems in your life. They hurt not only yourself but the people around you. Once you start doing drugs it is very hard to stop. Drugs are addicting and sometimes people will steal and lie just to get more. They are so dangerous to your body and your mind. I’ll never forgot the images of people’s brains that do drugs and people’s brains that don’t do drugs. I never want my brain to get damaged so I will always say no to drugs. They are also illegal and will get you arrested.
I also learned that drinking alcohol is bad for you too. Drinking alcohol makes it really hard to think normally and make good decisions. You should never drink and then drive, because it is harmful to yourself and others on the road. It is very dangerous when you can’t think clearly because you’ve had too much to drink. If you’re over 21 and have too much alcohol, I’ve learned in LEAD that you should always be prepared to get back home if you are out.
Drinking too much alcohol all the time can damage your brain and other organs in your body.
Another thing I learned in LEAD is that you should definitely NOT smoke tobacco. Smoking tobacco can cause really bad things like some cancers, heart problems, and brain problems. It is also bad for the environment and other people around you.
Finally, I learned that bullying and peer pressure are not nice and they make someone feel sad and upset. Peer pressure can make someone feel like they are forced to do something they don’t want to do.
Bullying can make someone feel like they don’t belong and make them feel that they are not enough.
I learned so much from LEAD and I am so happy that I got this experience to learn so many things that will help me in the future. Thank you to all the Atlantic Highlands Police Officers that helped with this program and help all of us every day
