Bay City Tribune

Representatives from the Bay Area Council on Drugs & Alcohol (BACODA) visited Van Vleck High School Tuesday, Oct. 20, along with Matagorda County Sheriff Gary Mathis, to put on an informational presentation for students on the effects and dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Posters and displays were set up around the cafeteria including a drug identification case and graphic photographs of internal organs damaged by drug and alcohol use.

A video titled "Meth Alert: Texas Teens at Risk" was playing next to the displays for students to view.

This was just one of the many special events planned for this week at VVHS in recognition of National Red Ribbon Week.

The Matagorda County Community Coalition, our area branch of BACODA, has sponsored the anti-drug presentations of the week along with the Matagorda County Sheriff's office, including a wrecked car that has been placed in front of the school to show the horrific consequences of drunk driving.

"We're trying to get the word out to Matagorda County about what BACODA is doing to try to educate our youth about drugs and alcohol," said Marian Bullard, Matagorda County Community Coalition Coordinator.

"Every day, parents, caregivers, teachers, and other caring adults have extraordinary opportunities to turn ordinary times with children into special, teachable moments that can keep them healthy and drug free."

Bullard went on to discuss the efforts that are being made around the county and the support that MCCC has received.

"The Sheriff is such a good collaborator with us," she said. "We just pick up the phone and he's there."

Though Red Ribbon week will end on Oct. 23, the importance of remaining drug free is emphasized at Van Vleck schools all year.

Staff and students work together to keep communication open in the schools so students are well informed when it comes to making critical decisions regarding drugs and alcohol.