Joining in the efforts against underage drinking and drug use among RHS students, several concerned parents formed the Rockville Anti-Drug/Drinking Awareness Resource, or RADDAR, in 2006 to raise awareness of and prevent the widespread use of alcohol and drugs.
RADDAR was formed after former RHS student James Kyle Williams died in an alcohol-related accident in October 2006. The group’s primary goals are to raise awareness of the prevalence of underage drinking and drug use in the community, to create a support network for parents and to cut down on the students’ access to alcohol and other drugs.
As the number of teens injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents rises, the community has become more active in preventing underage drinking among students. Police were called to the RHS playoff football game against Clarksburg High School to ensure that no students arrived with alcohol or arrived under the influence, following a recent outbreak of intoxication at games. “I am saddened that some students feel that having fun means having to use mind-altering substances,” said Principal Dr. Debra Munk.
To date, RADDAR has held three presentations regarding underage drinking. The first presentation featured parents whose children had participated in underage drinking parties. In the second presentation, experts, including the Assistant Director of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, explained to parents the prevalence of underage drinking. The third, held at Earle B. Wood Middle School, educated middle school parents of the signs of alcohol and drug abuse.
The group also supports the Safe Home Pledge, which was created to help parents take a stand against the potentially harmful activities of their teens. Over 130 RHS parents have signed the pledge, allowing them access to the phone numbers and addresses of other RHS parents in order for parents to contact each other when they leave town or when their children visit friends’ homes.
The first planning meeting of RADDAR for this year was held Oct. 22. More meetings have yet to be scheduled; however, the group is planning to organize meetings near the closing events of the school year. “We are still in the planning stages…but we hope to have several [presentations] leading up to graduation, prom and beach week,” said Steve Crowley, a concerned parent in the group.
However, despite RADDAR’s efforts, drinking and drug use continues to be a problem among students. Several students have been suspended for arriving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to sporting events and the homecoming dance. “I don’t think the parents group will make a difference because kids today don’t care and they just don’t listen,” said junior Cara Ammann.
