ISHPEMING - Drug and alcohol use by teens is a huge issue -so huge, it's hard to put it into perspective.
Some facts: drugs and alcohol lead to the deaths of more teens each year than the total death toll of the Iraq War. The human brain isn't fully developed until the early 20s and introducing drugs and alcohol can cause major damage to the logic centers of developing brains.
A group of parents and school officials in the western end of Marquette County are working to combat the problem.
"Why this isn't our number one goal as a society, I don't know," said Brian Sarvello, former Ishpeming High School principal and now an education consultant for the Marquette-Alger RESA.
Sarvello and a group of volunteers have been working to establish a program called Communities Hosting Alternatives to Minors Partying, or CHAMP. The program is intended to provide students from the Ishpeming, Negaunee and NICE districts with chemical-free events to attend on weekends.
The program was unveiled to the community Wednesday evening, with students making up the majority of the 50-member audience.
"We're going to be planning events, activities throughout the community," said Bobbi Ayotte, coordinator for the program. "We're looking for community involvement. An hour, 15 minutes. If you just want to come to one meeting."
Possible activities for teens in eighth through 12th grade include bowling nights, talent shows, battles of the bands, dances and sports tournaments.
Teens and adults interested in helping out with the events are invited to a CHAMP committee meeting Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Ishpeming High School.
"These young people will become who they hang around with," Sarvello said, stressing the importance of giving positive student leaders a place to encourage their friends to hang out without the temptation of drinking or drugs.
With events hoped to start up by the end of September, Ayotte said more volunteers were needed to get the program rolling.
"It was good to see all the students," she said of Wednesday's meeting. "We're going to definitely need a lot more adults."
Those interested in finding out more about the CHAMP program can visit ihschamp.wikispaces.com or contact Sarvello at 906-315-2601 or Ayotte at 226-5135.
Johanna Boyle can be reached at 906-486-4401. Her e-mail address is jboyle@miningjournal.net.