Serious simulations for students

Joining the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 23 - 31, Thompson Falls School staff spent the week brining student awareness to substance use and its adverse effects. The Red Ribbon operation is the largest and oldest drug prevention awareness program in the nation.

Kicking off the week, high school students were greeted Monday morning with donuts on behalf of their "DoNut Do Drugs" theme, according to Jodi Morgan, school counselor. In addition to that, Thursday afternoon School Resource Officer Bob Thornhill presented students with simulated, under the influence exercises. Students spent time outdoors participating in relay races, golf cart driving, basketball shooting and receiving a field of sobriety test all while wearing Fatal Vision's substance impairment simulation goggles, also known as drunk glasses. The goggles gave students a safe way to experience the negative effects substances have on motor skills and judgment.

"Although these events encourage students to have fun," stated Thornhill, "it is also intended to represent the very serious opposite relationship between alcohol and drug consumption and coordination, reaction time and balance."

Prior to the event, students were briefed in class about the seriousness of the simulation. "We want to ensure the message is not undermined by the amusement provided by the activity," said Thornhill. As students stumbled their way through weaving cones, nearly crashed golf carts and faltered their way "walking the line," it was impossible to curb the humor and laughter. Even though it was a comedic occasion, many students realized the serious difficulty associated with basic operations when under the influence.

Despite heading caution, Thompson Falls student Maycie Anderson couldn't maintain a straight line driving her golf cart to the finish line while wearing simulation goggles. With appreciation and relief upon reaching the end point, she commented, "Oh my gosh, that was the scariest thing I've ever done." Thornhill shared that the goggles ranged from a blood alcohol content of .17 to .2, while some represented the effects of cannabis (marijuana).

Student Ryan Battles attempted walking the line in a field of sobriety test instructed by Thompson Falls City Police Officer Morgan Grimm. The same field test was given as is to those suspected of driving under the influence. Students were to count aloud and walk 9 straight steps touching heel to toe. "I don't even know if I'm on the line," Battles said when he attempted to simply stand on the line, prior to taking any steps. This was reiterated throughout the afternoon by most students.

Sanders County Sheriff's Officer Len Lanzoni was present with his K9 dog, Max. With drugs placed under one of the golf cart's seats, students witnessed Max in action. It didn't take long for Lanzoni to reward Max for a job well done, amazing students with the quickness the K9 unit has in locating the hidden drugs.

This was the third time Thornhill presented this simulation to high school students. He had assistance from the Thompson Falls Golf Course who donated four golf carts; Valley Bank, Whitefish Credit Union and First Security Bank who made donations allowing the school resource officer program to purchase 10 pairs of Fatal Vision goggles; and the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge for donating their personal time and equipment for the occasion.

"These goggles can be used for several events and we plan to make them available for other schools in the county as well as Huckleberry Festival, and hopefully our county fair," shared Thornhill. "We will be working on a way to implement this in the near future."

Thompson Falls Elementary and Junior High also recognized Red Ribbon Week by wearing dedicated clothing and attire throughout the week.

Red Ribbon Week originated after the death of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena who was tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating, according to redribbon.org. In 1988, President and First Lady Nancy Reagan served as honorary Chairpersons when the National Family Partnership coordinated the first national Red Ribbon Week.