By Patty Jo Sawvel

High Point University (HPU) students came to Kernersville to see for themselves what student leadership looks like at Kernersville Cares for Kids (KCK).  The interest began when HPU Professor Rosie Tarara decided to use the book, Under the Influence: The Town That Listened to Its Kids as a student resource in her Substance Abuse and Prevention class.

“At High Point University,” explained Tarara, “we try to provide as many real world experiences as possible.  With Kernersville being so close, this was a golden opportunity for our class to see what student leadership—around the issue of substance abuse—can accomplish.

HPU student Brittany Irwin began the conversation by asking the group of 30 KCK student leaders, “Can you tell us more about your cause with the KCK program?

Carter Maffett, student president of KCK, said, “We are a non-profit that helps teens stay away from drugs and underage drinking.  We get students to sign a pledge and if they fall into use they get free help to get back on the path of healthy choices.”

Captain Doug Kiger, president of the KCK board added, “Last year, Glenn High School had 95.8% of their students in the random drug testing program.  We have had over 99% at our middle schools and high schools in the past.”

While it was obvious that KCK’s work was well received by its school community, HPU student Landon Williams wanted to know how KCK benefits the student leaders.

Nick Childs, a student at East Forsyth Middle School quickly replied, “KCK has helped me to take a stand.  I have learned how to talk in front of others.  KCK training helps me to step up and spread the word.”

Apparently, this got Glenn High School student Nakyla Comer thinking.  She first asked the college students if a program like KCK would have benefited them when they were in high school.

HPU student Jake Blackwell shared, “In the transition from middle school to high school my body and my values were changing.  DARE was not enough.  We needed a program like KCK.”

Nakyla then asked, “Is there a program like KCK at High Point University where you pledge to be drug-free?”

Jake replied, “No.  But if you wanted to start a group, I think it would be a good thing and I think the university would look upon it favorably.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the morning happened when HPU student Joseph Kilar revealed that he graduated from EFHS in 2011 and he was in the random drug-testing program.

Joseph said, “What I found most interesting was how the program is able to help youth receive the attention and treatment they may need to deal with any drug issues in their own lives.”

The morning ended with a gift from HPU.  Each KCK student leader received an HPU t-shirt and baseball cap.  In addition to this, both groups of students took away new ideas.

For more information about KCK visit www.KernersvilleCaresForKids.org.  For a copy of the book, visit your local library or purchase a Kindle version for $9.99.  Under the Influence: The Town That Listened to Its Kids received the 2014 Global eBooks Gold Medal for Current Events.