The V.I.P. (Values, Influences and Peers) Program was established in 1982 through a cooperative effort between the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education. Topics covered in the V.I.P. program include Authority and Authority Figures; Victims and Vandals; Shoplifting is Theft; Bullying and the Law and Drugs. The overall message to the students is that it is critical that they make good choices.
V.I.P. helps students:
To become aware of the values of Canadian society such as responsibility, peace, patience, kindness, honesty, self-control and tolerance.
To accept responsibility for their actions.
To gain insight that will help them in making wise choices when confronted with negative peer pressure.
To develop respect for the rights of others and for the law.
To build a positive relationship of trust and understanding with an officer.
This year, Payton Newham of Merlin Area Public School won the V.I.P. t-shirt contest for the Lambton-Kent District School Board. This contest was sponsored by the Chatham Optimist Club. Her winning design will be displayed on all of the t-shirts in the public school system across Chatham-Kent as well as all of the schools in Wallaceburg. Payton was presented a plaque by Steve Tuinstra of the Chatham Optimist Club and Special Constable Brenda Koldyk of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
Mercy Wysman from Georges P. Vanier Separate School won the V.I.P. t-shirt contest for the St. Clair Catholic District School Board. She was presented a plaque by Special Constable Tamara Dick of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
On behalf of everyone here at the Chatham-Kent Police Service, congratulations Payton and Mercy.
