Letter to the Editor
Having read the two articles from last month's NETWORK on alcohol use among Marian students as well as other at-risk behavior, I am left with one question, "Whose responsibility is it?" In discussing these articles with students, some said that Marian needs to do something about the alcohol use among the student body. I mentioned something I could do.
They then responded that it would do no good because teens will drink anyway. Another said that many students came to dances under the influence but that there was nothing we could do about it. My impression from these discussions and from the articles is that the reasoning goes like this: students drink. Marian should do something about it. Anything Marian does will not have an affect on student drinking but do something anyway. One student in the article states that "The administration knows about the problem but they don't address it." I disagree with this statement. If the Marian Administration (and I assume the student means our Principal) is not addressing it, why is there a policy in the Student/Parent Handbook regarding substance abuse, why is there a Parent Pledge, why do athletes have to sign an agreement to not drink, why is there a Crusavers, why is there Red Ribbon Week, why do teachers in a variety of ways and places tell students not to drink, why do we have a policy on alcohol use at dances, and why am I writing this letter? If anyone thinks that Marian does not have a policy or does not try to do something about alcohol use, that person has her ears and eyes closed.
So if you have not heard from someone else, let me speak for Marian. Don't drink. Don't smoke. Don't use drugs. Don't have sexual relations outside of marriage. Don't ever forsake responsibility for your choices or blame your behavior on your school. That's no joke and it's not a song. Your life and your future depend on it. And lastly, never ask me why I did not tell you.
-Mr. Koesters, Faculty
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