San Fernando Valley : Video Helps Deliver Anti-Drug Message
Six months ago, officials at Village Christian Schools invited undercover officers onto their private Sun Valley campus for a sting operation. Six students were arrested on suspicion of selling marijuana, and administrators’ anti-drug message was delivered loudly and clearly.
On Friday, the Village Christian Schools’ 1,100 junior high and high school students saw an hourlong video filled with clips of Tom Hanks, Val Kilmer, Sandra Bullock and Alicia Silverstone. The images were larger than life, projected on a block of screens 10 feet high and 42 feet wide, backed by pulsing rock music.
The format was different, but the message remained the same. School officials hope to prevent substance abuse and other problems.
“We’re not going to close our eyes to the fact we’ve got problems [on campus]--we all do,” said Tim Bolin, director of student ministries. “We want to empower the kids to take control of their own lives.”
Organizers hope the presentation will motivate students to attend one of several leadership retreats stressing team-building activities and community service projects.
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