To the editor,

Ten Wareham Middle School students were empowered with the strength to feel proud about being substance free at the MIAA conference center on November 6th.

They used role play and group discussions to improve leadership skills. These students represented Wareham and brainstormed many ideas to create a positive environment in their school and in the community. 

Students want more opportunities to spread their message through banners and possibly an overnight lock-in at their school with an anti-substance abuse theme.  Students were excited to sit at a big conference table in executive chairs and express their "BIG" ideas. 

This experience was made possible because of a generous donation from Stevie B's Onset Sports Resort and the efforts of Officer Karl Baptiste.  When it was brought to the attention of Officer Baptiste that we could reach middle school age students he was quick to respond.  He hit the streets and found us the money. 

I think we both feel that reaching students early and using a preventative approach can get much better results than rehabilitating those who have already started to make poor choices.  My students and I  would like to publicly thank the two of them for making an amazing day possible. 

Nicole Stahmer