A gathering was held recently at A.A. Wright Public School in Wallaceburg to celebrate the graduates from the V.I.P. (Values, Influences and Peers) program.
“Congratulations to the newest V.I.P. graduates from A.A. Wright Public School,” Chatham-Kent Police Service officials said on social media.
“Thanks to Mr. Johnston from the Wallaceburg Optimist Club for presenting the graduates with t-shirts. Way to go, kids.”
Special Constable Brenda Koldyk, of the Crime Prevention Section and Community Safety Section, says the V.I.P. program has been very effective in establishing positive community-police relationships over the years.
“Students meet their V.I.P. Officer on six different occasions and build a positive rapport that can last a lifetime,” Koldyk stated, in a media release.
“Lessons taught to students include authority and authority figures, youth and the law (shoplifting/vandalism), bike and helmet safety, bullying and making good choices (drugs). The lessons are preventive in nature and allow students to evaluate the consequences of becoming involved in negative behaviour.”
V.I.P. t-shirt sponsors throughout Chatham-Kent include the Optimist Clubs of Blenheim, Bothwell, Chatham, Wallaceburg and Wheatley, Bothwell Legion Branch 252, Merlin Knights of Columbus, Merlin Kinsmen and Merlin Legion Branch 465, Ridgetown Kiwanis, Thamesville Sertoma and LaSertoma, Our Lady of Beauraing Council #1412 – Knights of Columbus, Dresden Rotary Club, St. Ursula Council #9551 – Knights of Columbus, Tilbury Kinsmen, St. Joseph Council – Tilbury Knights of Columbus, Wallaceburg Knights of Columbus.
“Members of each organization attend the VIP graduations to present the students with a VIP t-shirt and to encourage them to be good citizens of our community,” Koldyk added.
An educational drug safety initiative for the local Grade 5 students was included in the program for the 19th year.
Koldyk said the program is dedicated to helping young people get the facts they need to make informed decisions.
“Each student will receive a copy of Drug Safety: Smart Choices for LIFE, a comprehensive 112-page handbook geared toward young people, which is full of useful information about the dangers of alcohol, vaping/tobacco, and illicit drugs,” she said.
“The materials are produced by Community Safety Net, and are widely used to educate and increase awareness of substance abuse.
Koldyk added: “In addition to educating youth, Drug Safety: Smart choices for LIFE is a comprehensive family resource. It teaches children effective ways to resist peer pressure, while parents receive tips for helping their kids stay away from drugs. A free downloadable app for smartphones and tablets is included, which is customized to provide local safety contact numbers — along with safety tips, videos, and other important safety information.”
Koldyk said this resource was made available to the kids through the generous support of local businesses and organizations.
“Across the country, law enforcement groups and community organizations are implementing youth education programs in an effort to prevent drug abuse before it starts,” she added.
