Parental Involvement Critical in the Drug War

Amelia Buragas:

Don't be afraid to be involved - even intrusive - if you want to keep your kids off drugs, a Middleton High School student advised parents at a forum Tuesday night.

More than 250 people packed the school's cafeteria to ask questions and get information from a panel that included school officials, social workers, students and police officers. Catherine Zdeblick also sat on the panel. Her daughter Julie, a junior at Middleton High School, died from an Oxycontin overdose in March. That death has had a big impact on the community.

Beth Wild, 18, who was a friend of Julie's, talked about her own recovery from addiction to marijuana and Oxycontin. She told the crowd that her parents were instrumental in getting her sober because they were always there for her.

Wild, a senior at the Middleton Alternative High School, said she has been sober for 99 days, although she has been in treatment for two years.

She said that after several unhealthy relationships she finally decided to take her treatment seriously. Wearing a T-shirt that said "high on life," Wild told the crowd, "I love life and I'm very proud of myself."

I sent an email to Tom Vandervest, Middleton High's principal urging him to post an html/pdf, audio and video transcript on their web site. He responded with "Our school personnel will be recording it for our use. Thanks, Tom".

I hope that includes posting it online.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at October 20, 2004 10:06 PM
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