The Charlotte Alliance for a Safe and

Drug Free Community and the Florida

National Guard have partnered to train

35 high school students to become peer

educators to middle and elementary

school youth about the dangers of tobacco,

alcohol and inhalants. The National

Guard Night Vision Program

teaches high school students to become

dynamic and effective presenters to their

younger peers. Lemon Bay and Pt. Charlotte

High School students will provide

presentations in the classrooms and after school

programs at the request of teachers

or principals.

The high school teens not only provide

an important lesson to the younger students,

but help to convey the important

message that most teens do not use

drugs and alcohol. Across the state peer

lead prevention has been very effective in

changing youth attitudes and perceptions

about alcohol and drug abuse. Students

have reported that they respond

better to messages delivered by their

peers or someone closer to their own

age.