H.A.P.P.Y.
What is H.A.P.P.Y.?
HAPPY is the Hancock Addictions Prevention Program for Youth. The prevention program is offered through Century Health. In 1984, it was started by the State Teen Institute experience. To develop this program for junior high students, the core-planning group used the Teen Leadership approach and Teen Institute model. They developed this program because at the junior high level, teens are already experimenting with alcohol and drugs. By the time they reach high school, their decisions about alcohol and drugs are already made. The representatives for the program come from schools in the county and involve other interested citizens.
HAPPY's purpose is to give an opportunity to junior high students to make an impact on their community and school. Ten junior high students from each school (120 total) are selected to help prevent alcohol and drug abuse through learning the basic knowledge, skills, and program models.
Why do we even need a HAPPY program? The drug problem in America is always growing. We need to stop the problem early by reaching the teens in the schools of America. More students, every year, are starting drugs and alcohol at an earlier age. All prevention programs in schools need to intensify by getting all parents, educators, and human service professionals involved. Drug prevention is a strategy. It involves being informed. You need the information about the effects of drugs, how our world is, what the function and meaning of drugs are, how to educate other people, how to motivate yourself and others, and how to counsel and fulfill the needs of others. By learning these things, there can be an effective drug prevention program at our school. Get involved. It is important because that affects our future and community.
If you are interested in joining, you can complete an application to go to the Weekend Leadership Conference next fall. If you have already attended as a seventh grader, then you cannot go to the conference again. Once all the applications are turned in, they are looked over by a group of junior high teachers. Based on the following qualities, ten students and three alternates are selected:
In November, the Weekend Leadership Conference is held. The "teams" that get together at this time, display their knowledge and dedication by recruiting new students who will join them in projects and programs through their own school.
After the conference, the selected students go on to incorporate their new knowledge into their school. These students provide the support system to develop the project. They assist in recruiting new members, promoting a life-style free of drugs, and solving problems.
Jenny Burkmier
Dominick Diller
Megan Donaldson
Caleb Harris
Meeghan Kelly
Miranda Palmer
Alan Wiseman
Amanda Breitigan
Tierney Margraf
Mrs. Ritter