Doddridge County High School students, teachers, administration and all other staff enjoyed a rousing game of basketball when the ESPN Drug Free All-Stars took to the court Friday morning against the High School Teachers.
What started out as a friendly way to celebrate being drug free has turned out to be an integral part of community involvement! Started in October 2005, the ESPN Drug Free All-Stars combines fun and education into a new way of educating youth about the importance of making good choices and staying away from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
The All-Stars team is made up of members from local businesses, community groups, media, law enforcement, and others. Their mission is to keep kids making positive choices and reaches kids up to a 100 mile radius from Mercer County. Their games are a commitment from local personalities and they truly allow youth to see a direct connection between them and the community. They are passionate about their message and, as they like to say, everyone is a winner when the All-Stars are in town.
Each game starts with a member of the All-Stars team coming out onto the court to talk to youth about making positive choices and staying away from things that can destroy their lives. The All-Stars team teaches kids to find something they enjoy doing and focus on it. They teach kids to:
• Have CONFIDENCE in what you believe and be empowered to do the right thing!
• Have the COURAGE to stand up against what you know is wrong and discover your true potential as a leader!
• Set your goals high and have the DEDICATION to continually motivate yourself to achieve your dreams!
• No matter what religion/faith you may have, be able to express your joy and SPIRITUALITY in your actions and share those thoughts with those around you!
• GIVE more of yourself and you are also helping those around you be better.
• RESPECT others. RESPECT yourself. Character is defined by what you do, not what you say or believe!
The All-Stars are funded through a series of grant based programs that focus on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well as donations from area businesses and sponsors.
We wish to thank the Doddridge County High School for allowing the Drug Free All-Stars to present their message to the students. We would also like to thank the Teachers who played against the All-Stars.
We wish to thank the Legacy Inn in Pennsboro for providing rooms for the All-Stars. We, the Doddridge County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, wish to thank the ESPN Drug Free All-Stars team for their participation in educating us in a different way – with the fun there was a message: Focus and stay focused. Make the right choice and stick to it.
