Troup students gets MADD

Troup High School students heard some hard and sobering facts last week about choices and consequences.

Local and national representatives from MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, were on campus to present their threescreen video Take Two.

According to MADD, Take Two for secondary schools take students behind the scenes of a Hollywood production to show that on a movie set, everyone's mistakes get a second take. But, in the real world there aren't always second takes. A flood of fast-paced, powerful imagery, Take Two engages students with poignant stories of real young people; celebrity interviews; clips from major motion; and a contemporary soundtrack that features the music students know. The show also teaches students the importance of making healthy choices, avoiding alcohol and other drug use and understanding the risks and responsibilities as new teen drivers.

Kim Higgins, program specialist for the East Texas Region of MADD, states that Smith County has the highest fatality rate in alcohol related crashes in the 49 counties that the East Texas region covers.

Later in the day, Troup Elementary students enjoyed a similar presentation geared to their age group. Their threescreen video, entitled Street Smarts, helps students learn how to keep themselves safe in all walks of life. These young students got valuable information about alcohol's effects on a growing body and how to deal with bullies and strangers. Other key message points included staying safe in the car, always wearing a helmet on a bike or skateboard, and how important it is to take pride in yourself and feel confident.

These programs were coordinated through the new School Resource Officer Lanny Becker.