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A group at Manchester High School is dedicated to helping students through the tough times, whether it be resolving conflict or resisting pressure to use drugs.
Living In Full Effect (LIFE), in its eighth year, this year comprises 35 students in grades 10-12. Students recommended for LIFE fill out applications and go through an interview process before being selected. They also sign a contract saying they will keep their grades up and make good life choices.
One of the primary responsibilities of LIFE members is to serve as peer mediators - "to meet with other students in a conflict and help resolve that conflict," said guidance counselor David Owens, who, with Angie Briner, sponsors LIFE.
Student mediators are called in for a variety of situations, whether name calling or a fight between boyfriend and girlfriend. The idea is to "get students to share their grievances to keep the problem from escalating," Owens said. "... A kid is upset, can't sit through class, so they come down to the office and ask to see somebody. ... Sometimes they respond better to other students."
"If two kids get in a fight, they can sit down with a mediator ... and get some help, not get expelled from school," said Daniel Walter, 17, a senior in his third year with LIFE.
Briner trains the students for their roles as mediators. Past training has included a trip to the rope course at Taylor University, where students work together to overcome physical obstacles - including an 8-1/2-foot wall. "You really need to communicate and listen to each other's ideas," said Tim Dale, 17, a junior.
Dale, in LIFE for a second year, didn't have to think too long when asked to join. "When other kids told me what it was about, I thought it was pretty much what I stood for," he said.
Amy Manges, a 17-year-old senior, was glad to become part of the program last year. "I think the whole idea is really good," she said. "We don't have a SADD chapter here, but this covers more: drug awareness and making the right decisions."
Indeed, LIFE incorporates many activities the school's SADD chapter used to do. Students in LIFE are called upon to be role models for their young counterparts - "to try to dispel the perception of young kids that everybody at the high school uses alcohol and drugs," said Owens.
At the junior high level, students portray characters who died because of bad choices - drugs, no seat belt, suicide - and what they have missed. Elementary level children might see skits about saying no or resisting peer pressure.
Students also spend time answering questions and talking to youngsters about choices.
Questions about alcohol are "really big," said Manges, "because even at the junior high level they're being exposed to it, so they're really curious."
Dale has seen awareness of substance abuse in as young as third-graders. In one class he asked how many students think all high schoolers use drugs; every hand went up. "They get the idea at sporting events, being around older kids; they may hear them talk about it," he said.
Another common question, Manges said, is "Do you have to drink in high school to be cool?" In leading by example, LIFE members show the young students that it's OK to say no.
"It's a great program 'cause we help bring awareness that not all kids in high school do drugs and alcohol," she said.
