Town hall meeting to address teen drinking
Centre High School will host a community dinner meeting at 6 p.m. April 7 to address the problem of underage drinking in northern Marion County.
The meeting will be conducted in conjunction with Communities in Schools of Marion County.
According to CIS director Linda Ogden, the Centre school district traditionally has the highest number of students involved in underage drinking of all the districts in the county. That conclusion is based on yearly student surveys of sixth, eighth, 10th, and 12th grade students.
Ogden also noted that research indicates children who begin drinking alcohol before the age of 15 are five times more likely than those who start after age 21 to develop alcohol problems.
Alcohol use among youth is strongly correlated with violence, risky sexual behavior, poor academic performance, and other harmful behaviors.
The meeting will include special speakers, PowerPoint presentations, discussion, and a free catered meal. Child care will be provided.
All interested individuals including law enforcement officers, city officials, teachers and administrators, ministers, businessmen, parents, grandparents, patrons, and youth in grades 7-12 are invited to attend.
Registration is required and is due by April 2. To register, call 785-983-4321 or mail name and number of attendees to Centre High School, 2374 310th St., Lost Springs KS 66859.
