Climbing up and over life’s obstacles

As a reward for sitting in a classroom for several weeks and learning about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and how to avoid making mistakes that severely impact their lives, Lawrence Middle School students got to scale a rock wall provided by National Guard soldiers last Friday.

The soldiers are part of the “Stay on Track” program that is a two-pronged attack on controlled substances in this country. The first component is enforcement — interdiction effects in partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The second is education and prevention strategies designed to reduce demand presented by nearly 240 Guardsmen and 339 teachers in 46 states and territories to more than 125,000 students in collaboration with the Florida-based National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions.

Sgt. David You conducted the program at the middle school and presented the program in the fall and then did another 14 sessions that ended in April. From a preliminary glance at the surveys the students answered, he thinks inroads were made.

“The second half was outstanding, the kids learned a lot,” said Sgt. You, who was one of several Guardsmen who brought the Stay on Track program to Long Island for the first time. New York City schools have had the program for a few years.

The students, who have academic and behavioral challenges, learn how to overcome adversity and keep on battling through team building and communication exercises. “We talked about how adults can be mentors and role models for them,” Sgt. You said.

Fifth grader Mohamed Alkaifi said it was a positive experience to learn a lot about what drugs and other substances can do to your body. “It was really good to learn about everything and how dangerous it is,” Alkaifi said.

The rock wall was the huge attraction and Savannah Rentas, who climbed one for the first time said it was “scary,” and she “felt shaky” as she climbed. Fellow sixth grader Ami Alenick said, “I was used to it, I climbed one at camp.”

“Don’t be afraid,” was the advice of seventh grader Joshua Gomez, who attacked the wall vigorously and was the first student in the second group to reach the top.

In honor of Sgt. You’s efforts this past school year, the students spurred by teachers Heather Goorland and Amy Rosenberg raised $600 that will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. That organization helps soldiers in their battle to overcome physical and mental injuries they received in combat.

Home and Careers teacher Cindy Hecht connected with Wounded Warrior Program Coordinator Jeremy Chwat, whose wife Leah used to babysit for Hecht’s children, to bring former U.S. Army Specialist James O’Leary to speak to the students about his service and reintroduction to civilian life.

O’Leary, 27, of Patchogue, served in Iraq for about nine months, and was struck by a mortar that tore two holes in his body. He credited his strong recovery to the Wounded Warrior Project, and currently works for the organization.

“For me every day is Memorial Day,” he told the students, who also peppered the soon-to-be SUNY Stony Brook graduate with many questions, “as I remember the people I served with.”