The fifth grade drug and alcohol awareness program ‘Together, Against Drugs’ has been educating local students on drug prevention and the importance of good choices for nearly 20 years.

The program is a partnership of the Wood County juvenile probation office and Masonic Lodges in Yantis, Quitman and Alba.

Juvenile probation officer Melanie Whitehurst said classes run for three weeks, providing an introduction to drugs and vapes and an overview of juvenile justice proceedings.

“The kids are starting conversations about drug usage. The kids are excited and they want to be a part of the program,” Whitehurst said. “Kids are reactive to the classes. It only takes that one time to be changed forever.”

Whitehurst has been involved for 14 of the organization’s 18 years and took over three years ago. She says Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) was found to be ineffective in Wood County, but the schools still follow Red Ribbon week activities.

Different drugs have circled in and out of usage over the years, according to Whitehurst. Vaping and its health concerns is a big issue now.

“Everything runs in cycles. It cycles, but it’s an issue all over the state,” she said.

District Judge Jeff Fletcher, Assistant District Attorney Angela Albers and Sheriff Tom Castloo talk about courtroom processes with the students. She also brings in the area’s game warden, Kurt Kelley, to speak to the students. The classes discuss bullying and peer pressure and address self-esteem and safe social media habits.

The program leaders go over what students should and should not do on the social media, recognizing potential pedophiles and how to report inappropriate behavior.

The Masons celebrate the end of the program with pizza on the third week. Students are required to write an essay about what they’ve learned and awards are given for first, second and third place.

“It’s a beautiful connection between the county and Masons,” Whitehurst said.

Guy Brown, who is a member of both the Flora Lodge in Quitman and the Yantis Lodge, said Whitehurst has been brought in effective teaching concerning drugs for local kids.

“I think every school in the tax base should put it on. The people she brings in are very informative. It holds the kids’ attention,” Brown said.

Texas Ranger John Vance meets with the kids during the final class to demonstrate the crime reconstruction. Whitehurst said students enjoy meeting a Texas Ranger.

“I’m very grateful for my volunteers,” she said. “Everybody has been helpful. I’m pretty blessed to be around the people I’m around and do what I do.”

She added that Juvenile Probation Officer Melanie Holly has been a blessing with all of her help and her chief, Brandon Byers, has been very supportive.

The education and practicing safe habits can continue after the fifth grade by the parents utilizing resources from juvenile probation.

Whitehurst has a Facebook page, Wood County Juvenile Probation, set up for her office, where she’ll post information on trending issues, apps for monitoring cell phones and social media, and programs to educate parents on their child’s safety.