Dozens of Benjamin Logan community members attended the recent adults-only Parent Academy at Benjamin Logan Middle School, which focused on helping parents to address and recognize signs of vaping and drug use.
Presenters included Superintendent John Scheu, Capt. Dennis C. Eng, director of the Greene County A.C.E. Task Force/HIDTA; Cecilia Yelton from the Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol Services Board of Logan and Champaign Counties; and Brad Reed and Julia Rose from the Tri-County Board of Recovery & Mental Health Services.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore a mock bedroom, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” to see if they could spot one of 60 hidden signs of drug and alcohol use in a mock teen bedroom set up by Reed and Rose in the STREAM Center.
Administrators Scott Frederick and Holly Barr, along with school counselor Susan Headings, coordinated the event.
Scheu shared a personal tragedy that affected his immediate family when his 33-year-old son passed away unexpectedly and warned parents that the moral of his story is, “It can happen to any family.”
Yelton, MHDAS director of community and school-based prevention, offered important resources for parents and others who want to find a way out of addiction or to learn strategies for talking with their teens. To contact her, call (937) 465-1045 Ext. 0124.
Capt. Eng detailed many stories from his FBI background and homeland security experience related to THC vape oil and the use of social media to solicit children.
“Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and increased risk for addiction to other drugs. Nicotine exposure during adolescence, a critical period for brain development, can cause addiction and can harm the developing brain,” he said.
Parents and community members expressed appreciation for the informative evening and shared about the session.
“It’s our responsibility as parents to talk to our children early and often; it’s never too early to start,” Heidi Baker said.
“Seeing the items they had on display, some of which were recently confiscated from BLMS students, was eye-opening and depressing,” Brittony Leonard said. “Thank you Benjamin Logan for hosting this and enlightening the school community,”
“The statistics shared just within the Ben Logan district for drug use and resulting disciplinary actions in the middle school alone is disheartening,” Melissa Vance said.
“Our kids need us, as parents, to be informed of what is out there and to ask them questions. Tonight’s session helped me be more aware.”
“The community leaders provided us with different tools and strategies on how to interact with our children on this topic in an effort to keep them safe,” Kristy Daniels said. “I would highly recommend all parents attending the next session.”
“The academy gave parents the opportunity to hear from staff members and professionals discussing different perspectives and tips to recognize possible drug or alcohol use. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol abuse can occur at all ages or in all family types,” Ashley Shaffer said.
“What a great way to stay on top of the issues today. Prevention is key. Thank you Benjamin Logan Local School District and the guest speakers,” Bellefontaine Municipal Court Chief Prosecutor Crystal Welsh said.