Students get high on life

Students enrolled in alternative education in Calaveras County spent Thursday getting high on life at an anti-drug event at the Calaveras River Academy, organized by the Calaveras County Office of Education.

More than 100 high-school-age students spent the day making tie-dyed shirts, playing the guitar, drums and other percussion instruments, playing football, making collages, doing yoga and various other activities.
 

 October is drug abuse prevention and awareness month for schools in Calaveras County, and Thursday marked the first “Natural High Day.”

“The purpose is to help introduce students to the healthy and exciting hobbies and leisure time pursuits available in our community,” according to a press statement from the County Office of Education. “Students will rotate through the different “hobby stations” in small groups, so they have an opportunity for conversation with visiting community members.”

Sheng Chi Kung Fu of Valley Springs was on site giving kung fu lessons, and representatives from the Calaveras County Search and Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, Calaveras Narcotics Enforcement Unit and California Highway Patrol also were at the event offering information and talking to students.

Mark Dyken, of the Jamestown Family Resource Center, brought his “Grandmother Drum” for an opening ceremony and ancient native circle dance, said event coordinator Tim Smith.

Students made their own smoothies and breakfast burritos, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Frank Orlando had a fishing table set up, regaling students with tales of deep sea fishing, and students tried on drunk goggles.

“I think it was a great success,” Smith said around lunch time Thursday. “I think the kids are getting some good stuff out of it. And next year will be better.”

Calaveras River Academy student Johnathan Tyler Anderson, 16, helped organize the event and said he thought the event “actually turned out good,” and that he’d seen kids from different social groups and schools “hanging out and getting to know each other.”

Gold Strike High School student Connor Evans, 14, said he thought it was a fun way to connect with friends.

Calaveras County substance abuse counselor Todd Nosanow said the No. 1 reason kids “get high” is because they’re bored.

“I always tell them, if they’re bored, maybe they’re being boring,” Nosanow said. “I can teach them drugs are bad, harmful ... (but) it’s like any replacement therapy. You have to have something to replace the negative behavior with.”