West Van students put pen to paper for MP writing contest
"In what way can you teach your friends about the bad effects of misusing drugs?"
This is a tough question Grade 6 and 7 students in West Vancouver are pondering this month for the annual Member of Parliament Award for Writing contest.
"Your friends might say it's cool, but you can get addicted so easily," says Maya Abu Risheh, a Chartwell elementary school student who will be entering the contest. "You have to stand up to peer pressure."
Essays, which must be submitted by April 5, should be no longer than 400 words and are judged on originality and Canadian content.
Sitting in a circle, the elementary students list the bad results of misusing drugs. They've been warned about addiction, the effects of drugs on families and to carefully watch their drinks at parties. Even legal drugs, such as prescriptions, can be dangerous and addictive, they say.
"Drugs can effect you emotionally and physically," says Maya Loubani, adding pregnant mothers shouldn't use drugs or drink alcohol.
Prizes for the contest include gift certificates and a class pizza lunch. For more information go to MP John Weston's website.
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