They spoke about programs that are being implemented in building a community coalition to teach, counsel and lower drug and alcohol use among school students.

In introducing Hildenbrand and Daniels, Shakamak School Superintendent CG Epple explained that several years ago Greene County formed a grant consortium to pursue grants for programs to help students who are drinking and using drugs at an early age.

Hildenbrand explained that Communities C.A.N. (Changing perception, Addressing issues, Nurturing transformation) is a community organization funded by the Federal Grant to Reduce Alcohol Abuse.

Communities C.A.N. provides each school corporation in Greene County with a three-year contracted social worker to help the community work toward four goals:

* Reduce the number of students in grades 7-12 who participate in binge drinking.

* Increase the number of students who believe that alcohol abuse is harmful to their health.

* Increase the number of parents and other adults in Greene County who understand and disapprove of alcohol use among youths.

* Increase the number of community organizations who support youth programs to fight alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse.

Project SUCCESS is a school-based program that works to reduce the factors that put students at risk for substance abuse while working to enhance factors that will protect students from the risks. This is accomplished by placing highly trained counselors in schools to provide a full range of substance use prevention and early intervention services.

Hildenbrand noted that Indiana has one of the highest rates of student related alcohol abuse in the nation.

She added that Greene County Grant and Professional Consortium surveyed 600 Greene County students and found that 21 percent of seventh graders used alcohol during the month prior to the survey, and the rates rose in higher grades. By 11th, 76.2 percent had used alcohol the month before the survey.

To help with this situation, Daniels announced that Shakamak School is observing Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 23-31, which is a school and community outreach to fight drugs and alcohol.

"During that week, we are doing a lot of outreach activities," noted Daniels.

She is asking everyone to wear red starting the week of Oct. 27. Red bracelets will also be handed to students with the motto, "Reach for the Stars -- Be Drug Free."

Students are asked to join the drug and alcohol essay/poster contest that begins Oct. 16 with a deadline of Oct. 27.

The community walk is Oct. 27. Walkers will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the parking lot across from Border's Insurance. The walk will begin at 5:45.

A family game night is scheduled following the community walk at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the Shakamak High School cafeteria. The game is entitled "Are You Smarter Than A Teenager and Are You Smarter Than A Parent."

At 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, a teen movie "Step Up" (PG13) will be shown. Popcorn will be provided.