PACE to host annual Drug Panel Assembly

By Marisa Ellis
Staff Writer

Costa’s People Attaining Complete Equality is hosting its annual Drug Panel Assembly on May 22 in the new auditorium, which will include four guest speakers talking about the different ways drugs can influence one’s life.

According to PACE member Veronica Chen, PACE has contacted Ana Prikl who is a motivational speaker for people dealing with drugs, alcohol, etc in their lives, has worked with PACE previously in the 2013 Red Ribbon Assembly. PACE has been emailing Prikl for the last couple of weeks to finalize the assembly plan.

“We wanted to do another Drug Panel assembly this year because of how commonly drugs are used,” Chen said. “It is important for these speakers to share their stories with the students to show how drugs can influence one’s life in a negative way.”

According to Chen, two of the four guest speakers are former Costa students. Each speaker will talk about how they first developed abusive habits and how those habits have affected them. They will also speak about how they were able to seek help.

“Students should embrace this assembly as a way to really think about if drug intake is worth the price,” PACE advisor Dr. Rocky Wilson said.

According to PACE president Gillian Searer, PACE wants to approach students who feel pressured by their peers to abuse substances and teach that it is not worth the risk.

“The purpose of this assembly is to express how students can avoid the intake of drugs and alcohol,” Searer said. “It can be a long lasting addiction that can affect and impact someone’s future, especially students that want to go to college.”

In June, PACE will be holding its annual “Every 15 minutes” assembly which focuses on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. It will involve Costa seniors and juniors as well as The Manhattan Beach Police Department in a presentation to try and accurately replicate a real-life drunk driving situation.

“I hope Costa students will take a lot out of this presentation because it is a very serious matter that could happen to anyone,” Sear said.