Students

“The STARS program has really made a big impact on my life. I learned more about how drugs mess up my body. This isn’t just a program … this is my future.”

“I was going to drop out of school when I turned 18 but with the help of STARS, everything has changed because I want to graduate and go to college.”

From a STARS Specialist:
“A young man of 17 years approached me timidly after hearing my STARS presentation in his English class. I knew this student from last year, and was really surprised he asked to meet with me. You see, he is a popular guy with many friends and pretty involved in what goes on here at Independence. He told me that day that he is an alcoholic. He drinks before school, after school, and every weekend. He lives for this next drink. He cried in my office as he reached out for help. Since then, this young man has worked very hard to become sober, through parental involvement and outside group meetings. He is sober for the first time in two years! He passes me in the hall and gives me a thumbs up or down (that’s our code) as to whether he is maintaining sobriety. So far, the thumb has not pointed downward in six weeks!!!”