'Open communication': Trivia game teaches students important lessons on drugs, alcohol
Mar. 26—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Within minutes of the Richland High School lunch starting Monday, a line began to form in front of Cambria County Drug Coalition project coordinator Nichole Rousell's table.
She had a trivia wheel set up with snacks as rewards for National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week.
Students spun the wheel and were asked questions about a variety of topics, such as opioid addiction, fentanyl, smokeless tobacco and similar subjects.
"It's all about getting kids involved — getting them information," Rousell said.
This is the second year she's traveled to area schools to chat with students, and this time, the project coordinator said she made stops at nearly every district in Cambria County.
Monday was the start of her third week of raising awareness.
"It's very good to learn a bit more about it," 17-year-old Tyler Marshall said.
He was one of the first students to spin the wheel and get a prize, and snacks were handed out no matter what.
Marshall said he thought it was good to get the drug coalition's messaging out to students and was glad to see a representative in the school.
Danera Robinson, 17, said she thought having the coalition in the school brought a lot of awareness to people.
Her friend Issie Salem agreed, noting these topics, including alcohol, addiction and vaping, are important issues for teenagers and young adults.
Salem said that part of the problem is some habits, such as smoking and vaping, are pervasive throughout society.
She said it's hard to go anywhere, even the store, without seeing someone partaking in such activities.
Raising awareness and spreading information were Rousell's goal.
She said if students don't have the necessary intel, they don't know what to avoid.
That includes why they shouldn't consume alcohol before they're 21 years old or how dangerous fentanyl can be because anything can be laced with the narcotic.
Rousell said focusing on "open communication" is paramount in helping youth.
Brandon Bailey, Richland director of educational services, touched on that topic while spectating the trivia game.
He is a member of the drug coalition board and has been for several years, so this subject of awareness is important to him.
Bailey said education on these matters is crucial to helping students.
It's also vital to not talk at students, but have them get involved so the message sticks, he said.
Bailey also stated that he's proud to serve on the coalition board and was happy to see the trivia game brought to the district.
