Learning from others

Published 7:58 am Monday, September 24, 2018

Last week, Dawson-Bryant schools hosted District Family Night for parents and students of the elementary, middle and high schools.

In addition to information booths, inflatables and workshops, the event hosted motivational speaker Victor Woods, who had been invited by superintendent Steve Easterling.

Besides speaking to the night event, Woods spoke with students at the high and elementary schools about topics such as drugs and bullying.

Woods shared his own story of redemption, and how he had served prison time in his youth, but managed to turn his life around, become a bestselling author and activist and inspire others.

On the issue of drugs, he said it is key that schools be open to hosting recovering addicts as part of their efforts to educate students, so that those listening can learn from their stories.

This is a view that has been shared by some local officials, such as Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Andy Ballard, who has made a point to bring these survival and recovery stories to students. In his visits with students, Ballard has been accompanied by people who have taken part in treatment programs with Riverside Recovery Services.

Through these stories, not only do students see the dangers of drugs, but they also hear from the experiences of those who overcame addiction issues.

This is an applicable lesson to many issues students face, as often addiction has its roots in other problems.

We agree with Woods and Ballard and hope that all school districts in Lawrence County consider this approach. There is much to learn from these stories.