Middle schoolers encourage younger students to avoid alcohol

When hard lemonade is sold in the same packaging as Snapple's version, it can be confusing for kids to know what to say "no" to.

That is why a group of Carson Middle School students spent an afternoon talking to fourth-graders at Fritsch Elementary School.

"Malt is just like hard -- it's another way of saying it contains alcohol," explained Sarah Stadler, 14. "You've got to make sure you read the labels."

Ten members of the Fighting Alcohol Through Education club performed a skit and rap with a message about avoiding the temptations of alcohol.

"Don't even think about taking a gulp 'cause if you do, you're just another dope," they rapped. "Now we are all alcohol free so tell your friends that's the way to be. Alcohol free, that's for me."

The club members, who have committed to staying alcohol free, hope the younger students will follow their lead.

"We know that when older peers talk to their younger peers they totally listen," Sarah said. "If they hear it from us first before they're even confronted with it, they will be deterred from it because they'll know the cool kids aren't drinking."

FATE club members displayed a variety of beverages explaining the difference between ice tea and Long Island ice tea and sparkling cider and champagne.

"I learned to look at labels and read what's in there," said Aaron Friesell, 10. "It might poison you or hurt you -- and you're not allowed to drink it."

They also included a message about drunk driving.

"I shouldn't drink and drive and shouldn't let anybody do it," said Hannah Kapczynski, 9. "I don't want my parents or my friends to be killed by drunk drivers."

The fourth-graders were also told to never ride with someone who has been drinking. They were advised to discuss with their parents someone who they could call in case they needed a ride.

"We have to make a plan," said Marcela Watson, 10. "I have to call an aunt or my grandparents or my mom and dad, just in case the driver is drinking. You always need a plan."

Sarah founded the FATE club about two years ago and serves as its president. Her mother Laurel Staddler, was intricately involved in establishing Lyon County's chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Club member Briana Dodge, 14, has joined the cause.

"The community needs to be aware of the dangers of drinking and driving," she said. "They need to teach their kids that alcohol is not O.K."