In his camouflage fatigues and work boots, it’s easy for U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. David You to command respect, but for the past 14 weeks, the respect he has gained has been from Lawrence students, not soldiers.

You has presented the national “Stay on Track” program to some 70 Lawrence Middle School students in grades six through eight in six classes each Friday for the past four months.

The students, who have academic and behavioral challenges, learned how to avoid alcohol and drug use and make positive lifestyle choices through team building and communication exercises.

“There has been a change in their motivation, self-esteem,” said You, who added, “Inroads, yes, absolutely. In the beginning there were some who were shy and a lot who were disruptive; discipline was a big factor. The last 10 weeks, no problems here.”

Noting the difference between heading a unit of soldiers and being in charge of a classroom, You said that in terms of discipline, military bearing can only cover so much. “I am very firm, but respectful with them,” he said.

In turn, a majority of the students have developed a healthy respect for You and the information he has shared with them these past weeks. All four young men who spoke in class on Dec. 17, the last day of this part of the year’s classes, all thanked You for bringing this program to their school.

Eighth-grader Kevin Cruz said he appreciated the knowledge he gained about drugs and stimulants he didn’t know about, and got a kick out of one specific presentation. “When we wore the ‘beer goggles,’ we saw what it looked like when you’re drunk,” Cruz said. “I’m really thankful that Sergeant You came here and helped us out.”

Another eighth-grader, Jeffrey Velasquez, noted learning about what smoking — and specifically, nicotine — does to your lungs, possibly causing emphysema. “Sergeant You told us about that and what is right and not right,” said Velasquez.

Stay on Track is one of two parts of the National Guard’s effort to reduce the drug problem in this country. The first part is enforcement — interdiction efforts in collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

The second part is Stay on Track education and prevention strategies designed to reduce demand.