LUDOWICI — Walker Middle School had its first CHAMPS graduation ceremony June 1.
The program, Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, was introduced this past year by the Long County Sheriff’s Department, and led by Deputy David Hicks.
Speaking to the 175 fifth-graders, who completed the program, was Atlantic Judicial Circuit Juvenile Judge Jean Bolin.
She brought herself down to the kids’ level by talking about things that she remembered as a child.
“There were a lot of issues that I didn’t like as a child. I didn’t like a bedtime. Other kids sometimes got on my nerves. I loved junk food, though we didn’t have as much as you do today,” the judge said.
She also warned the students about inappropriate relationships.
“If a relationship has to be as secret, it’s not good, walk away from it, and have no part of it.”
“Say no to sex, drugs, alcohol and crime, and always remember that you’re only as good as your behavior and your choices,” she said.
CHAMPS is a part of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and provides an educational program with guidance, skills and knowledge to help youth be safe, healthy and happy. It also prepares them for successful lives.
“The CHAMPS program has been a wonderful program to help teach the kids about the dangers of drug use, and also to help prepare them with other life skills,” WMS Principal Vicky Wells said.
All of the kids who completed the course received certificates of achievement, but a few were recognized with individual awards.
Joshua Tilley, Brandon Nobles, Paul Williams, Maegan DeLoach, Katie Hodges, and Lauren Johnson all were recognized for having the best anti-drug poster in each of their classes. Miguel Longoria was selected as the CHAMPS Student of the Year.
“We appreciate Deputy Hicks and the LCSD for putting this program together and providing it to our kids. It provides a great foundation for the students to deal with drug awareness,” said Long County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Glenn Purcell.
The program, Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, was introduced this past year by the Long County Sheriff’s Department, and led by Deputy David Hicks.
Speaking to the 175 fifth-graders, who completed the program, was Atlantic Judicial Circuit Juvenile Judge Jean Bolin.
She brought herself down to the kids’ level by talking about things that she remembered as a child.
“There were a lot of issues that I didn’t like as a child. I didn’t like a bedtime. Other kids sometimes got on my nerves. I loved junk food, though we didn’t have as much as you do today,” the judge said.
She also warned the students about inappropriate relationships.
“If a relationship has to be as secret, it’s not good, walk away from it, and have no part of it.”
“Say no to sex, drugs, alcohol and crime, and always remember that you’re only as good as your behavior and your choices,” she said.
CHAMPS is a part of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and provides an educational program with guidance, skills and knowledge to help youth be safe, healthy and happy. It also prepares them for successful lives.
“The CHAMPS program has been a wonderful program to help teach the kids about the dangers of drug use, and also to help prepare them with other life skills,” WMS Principal Vicky Wells said.
All of the kids who completed the course received certificates of achievement, but a few were recognized with individual awards.
Joshua Tilley, Brandon Nobles, Paul Williams, Maegan DeLoach, Katie Hodges, and Lauren Johnson all were recognized for having the best anti-drug poster in each of their classes. Miguel Longoria was selected as the CHAMPS Student of the Year.
“We appreciate Deputy Hicks and the LCSD for putting this program together and providing it to our kids. It provides a great foundation for the students to deal with drug awareness,” said Long County Assistant Superintendent Dr. Glenn Purcell.