In an effort to inform students on the dangers and consequences associated with drugs and alcohol, Green County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, Green County ASAP members and many other Community Partners worked together to provide freshman students at Green County High School with the Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours experience.

Students were taken to the Judicial Center located in Green County and were given the opportunity to partake in the experience. Upon arrival, students were given a “situation” and paired with a volunteer parent that stayed with them throughout the duration of their experience. Depending on their specific situation, students then traveled to many different individuals to learn about their consequences.

A few community partners that were present but not limited to included: CDW, Corner, Minster, Principal, Sherriff, Judge, Jailer, and the County Attorney.

There were 120 freshman students that completed Truth and Consequences: The Choice is yours, and 100 students completed the student evaluation after the program was complete.

Of those 100 students, 86% felt as though they developed a better understanding of the legal and health consequences related to substance abuse. 75% felt that they gained knowledge and understanding of the emotional and financial consequences of substance abuse. 90% reported that they developed a better understanding of the harm and risk associated with substance abuse and 85% agreed that they would be able to access help if they had a substance abuse issue.

One student shared that: “Truth and Consequences is a very realistic and eye opening. I better understand what some consequences might be if I were to make bad decisions.”