Belleville Township West High School - Bellevinois Yearbook (Belleville, IL)

Page 29 text:

6 . 1. In March, Debbie Zink and Mr. John Reed represented West at the Chemical People forum conducted by First Lady Nancy Reagan at Channel 9 in St. Louis. 2. Dr. David Ohms of the St. Louis Care Unit spoke to faculty and con¬ cerned parents of Belleville West. Belleville East, and Althoff on September 21. 3. Mrs. Nancy Reagan answered questions from students attending the Channel 9 Forum. 4. Assistant Principals Mr. Dan Wolford and Mr. Doug Dahm were on the lookout for anyone visiting the Stadium during the school day without a smoker’s pass. 5. This year there was a change in the Stadium smoking policy. Those students headed for the Stadium to smoke had to have permission from their parents stamped onto their identification cards. 6. Last fall, over two hundred interested area citizens attended the Chemical People” national television showing in the Auditorium and the informal gathering afterwards in the Cafeteria. 7. Is it? Only one sign appeared on campus during National Anti- Smoking Week. Drug Prevention Programs 25

Page 28 text:

There was a crack down on drugs, alcohol, and smoking A film called “The Chemical People,” dealing with drug and alcohol abuse among youth, was shown last November on national television at community gatherings throughout the country. This nation-wide anti-drug program was led by First Lady Nancy Reagan. Soon after the showing of the program, about two hundred and fifty Belleville parents from Belleville West, Belleville East, and Althoff formed the Committee on Community Intervention. This group evolved into the Belleville Parents in Action organization. This group has had an active anti-drug campaign, scheduled speakers for school programs, sponsored free fashion, fun, and fitness sessions for high school girls, and organized committees to focus on legislation, fund-raising, and community involvement. Better awareness of chemical problems have been brought to the attention of the general public. The committees and groups that have branched off from the Chemical People Task Force gave alternatives for students to get involved in activities. 24 Drug Prevention Programs

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Various groups provided activities for all Many groups provided entertain¬ ment and activities for students and adults in the community. Choral groups performed in song and dance and the bands played for interested listeners. Special presentations by visiting bands were also enjoyed by the student body. Teenage girls from Belleville West, Belleville East, and Althoff got into the act by participating in the Fashion, Fun, and Fitness Chnics offered by the Belleville Parents in Action organiza¬ tion on six Saturdays in February and March. Volunteers taught social danc¬ ing to freshmen in a gym class. The many services and programs offered were not only well-attended, but well-appreciated. 1. Mr. Larry Obenchain served as emcee at the “Swingin ’n Singin” evening in the Cafeteria, staged by the music groups. 2. All of our musical groups had an enjoyable afternoon of listening to the concert in the Auditorium presented by the Drake University band from Iowa. 3. The vocal ensembles threw in a little dancing at the “Swingin ’n Singin“ show. 4. Hundreds of parents found it helpful to talk with teachers of their sons and daughters at Parents’ Night in November. 26 School and Community