To the community,

One week ago many individuals came together to send a message to our youth. The message focused on the power they have to make the right choices for themselves when faced with alcohol, tobacco and drug experimentation. Our youth gained information at the Drug Store Project, but when it comes down to the moment, they will have to be true to themselves. They are in fact responsible for their own decisions and their own outcomes.

In a couple weeks our survey collection from parents, students, and participants will close. At that time we will evaluate the opinions of those that were there to formulate our plan for next year. Many of our kids will have processed the information through conversations with each other and with their families; others will have “moments” of deeper understanding when faced with the very issue of what choice they want to make.

During Drug Store Project students learn about the consequences of their choices. Photo/Provided

I’d like to thank the many who always step up to the plate to make this event happen for our kids: Barton Health, Barton Health Foundation, Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, California Conservation Corps, California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, California Highway Patrol, California National Guard/DDR, CALSTAR, Cathy Huffman, El Dorado Community Foundation, El Dorado County District Attorney, El Dorado County Mental Health, El Dorado County Probation, El Dorado County Public Defender, El Dorado County Search & Rescue-Tahoe Team, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees, El Dorado County Superior Court, El Dorado Sheriff’s Office, Harrah’s Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Foundation, Harrah’s HEROS, Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe Sunrisers, Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra, Lake Tahoe Community College, Lake Tahoe News, Lake Tahoe Resort at Heavenly, Lake Tahoe Unified School District Lake Valley Fire Protection District, McFarlane Mortuary, Optimist Club of Lake Tahoe Partnership of Community Resources, Pro Leisure, Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe, Sierra Community Church, Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Police Department Explorers, South Lake Tahoe Police Officer’s Association, South Tahoe High School students , South Tahoe Middle School, STMS Junior S Club, Tahoe Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Tahoe Youth & Family Services, Vitality Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove Elementary, and the many community volunteers.

Without your donations, support, and time our kids would not have this opportunity.

Best regards,

Lisa Huard, Safe Schools Consultant