What’s Your Natural High?
What’s Your Natural High was the theme this year on Prevention Day at White River High School. In keeping with the theme, a number of videos were presented, featuring national sports celebrities who have maintained a drug, alcohol and tobacco-free lifestyle. They shared their goals in life, and how they were able to fulfill those goals without substances, which leads to feeling a “natural high”. Each student was then asked to write and display what their personal “natural high” is. Their lists were varied, showing a wide range of interests among our students – sports, music, reading, riding, painting/drawing/art, crocheting, etc.
Students then heard presentations from various organizations.
Bill Elger, with Western Prevention Resources in Rapid City, gave a presentation entitled “The Science of Addiction.” He told the students how addiction starts in the brain, and gave real, common examples. Some of the comments students had on their evaluation of this presentation were, “I liked how honest and open Mr. Elger is.” And “I learned that you’re not stupid for gaining an addiction, we’re just human beings making mistakes.” “It seemed like he knew what he was talking about, he told us facts.” “I learned why people do drugs and why they get addicted, also that addiction is considered to be a medical condition.”
Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement officers provided two separate presentations. The first focused on Drunk and Drugged Driving. Safety Sargent (and former WRHS alumni) Roxy Hunger talked to students about the process officers use when suspecting a driver of being intoxicated. She allowed some to wear the goggles, simulating that of being intoxicated, and then attempting to do the routine steps used by the officers. None of the students were able to complete the tasks successfully. Along with Hunger during this presentation were Highway Safety Officer Ty Herman and Highway Safety Officer OJ Seamans. Some of the comments students had about this presentation were, “I learned the importance of seat belts, and the tests they do when they think you’ve been drinking.” “I learned to never D&D with anyone, or yourself.”
In the second presentation by RST Law Enforcement, students learned more about drugs, those that are becoming more common here, and the effects they can have on a person. Chief Administrator Steve Denoyer, Jr. and Drug Task Force Officer Josh Marti conducted this presentation. Some of the comments from students were, “They were informative, but were still interesting.” “There is a lot of using and selling of meth in the community.” “I learned what kinds of drugs are the most common in this area and how they get here.” “I liked that they were straight forward and told us the facts. They were honest.”
Staff from Wiconi Wakan Health & Healing, in Rosebud, came and presented on depression and suicide awareness. They trained each of the students in QPR – Question, Persuade, and Refer – the process to be used when worried about a friend or loved one experiencing severe depression or having suicidal ideations. Some of the comments from students were, “I liked that it was informative, but they also shared personal experiences.” “I learned more about suicide, and how to prevent it.”
A highlight of the day, was the horse presentation. SGU’s Community Horse Program, Tiwahe Glu Kini Pi, along with the Mayda Bartlett Memorial Horse Program, actually brought horses for the students to pet, groom, feed, and ride. They set up corrals outside on the football practice field, and the students were thrilled with the opportunity to interact with the horses. Dave Valandra, TGKP Horse Ranch Manager, talked about Equine Therapy, explaining the petting the horse moves any negative thoughts you might have, into the horse, who then processes that negativity, and removes it completely (from the back end of the horse!). Many students were able to ride a horse for the first time, as did a few new staff members! Mr. Ben rode a horse for the first time, and Mr. Gilly was extremely fearful of horses to begin with. But with positive encouragement from a couple of students, not only petted and groomed a horse, but sat on one for a few minutes! Some of student comments were, “I learned that horses know how you’re feeling.” “I liked the information and how this made me feel comfortable around the horses.” “I learned that horses feel and act how you feel when you’re with them.” “I loved it when the horse came up to me.”
Along with all of these serious topics, Prevention Day needs to have some ‘just plain fun’ time for the students. This happened with the help of the SD National Guard. SSG Nora Schafers set up Bow & Arrow Tag in the gym for the students to play and get some exercise. But even during ‘play’ time, students learn. Some of their comments about this session were, “I just knew it would be amazing.” “I learned how to shoot a bow and arrow.” “I learned how to be more strategic and not just fast.” “It was important to help your team mates if you wanted to win.”
Students were also given surveys, asking them to rank situations and topics that they think are important – that they or their peers are dealing with – to help us plan for future presentation topics during next year’s Prevention Day.
Organization, planning and funding for WRHS Prevention Day is an annual drug/alcohol/behavioral health education day provided to students by the Michael Glynn Memorial Coalition. A similar day will be provided for Middle School students later this fall.
