Task force to host WWE champ

In the past several months, Winnebago County Task Force has been working with students, parents and administrators to collect data on youth substance issues within Winnebago County. After completing this process, one of the suggestions we have heard is that students need to hear that they are supported and to acknowledge the challenges that face them. Several steps are being taken to address these challenges.
In a recent report, 92 percent of sixth, eighth and 11th graders say that parents believe it is wrong for youth to be drinking without parental approval. However, binge drinking is on the rise, 13 percent of 11th graders report binge drinking (five or more in a row/a few hours) one or more days in a month. Studies show that youth drinking alcohol leads to using other drugs, such as marijuana. We have also seen an increase in marijuana use in our county. By coming together as adults and supporting our youth, we can work to address this issue.
Winnebago County Task Force and Lake Mills Community School is excited to host inspirational speaker and former WCW and WWE Wrestling Champion, Marc Mero, Friday, April 6, at 9 a.m.
Marc has presented at more than 2,000 schools throughout the country, empowering students to make positive choices. In this 60-minute multimedia production, Marc captivates students in an engaging and entertaining manner as he shares his personal story of tragedy and triumph and where his positive and negative choices took him. Students are inspired to treat themselves and others with respect, dream big, achieve goals, and cherish relationships. Issues such as bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse and suicide prevention are presented in a way that touches students at a heart level. Marc Mero’s compelling message evokes personal reflection, laughter and tears, and also instills HOPE. The program ends on a very positive note and many students, faculty and staff describe the “Choices” presentation as life-changing. Learn more at www.ThinkPOZ.org.
Finally, through the support of area law enforcements, a Tip Line has been created to address underage drinking and other drug related issues. Hear Something, See Something; Say Something is a joint effort of the Winnebago County Sheriff and local police to address community concerns that come through an anonymous line, available 24 hours a day. We have heard that citizens may be afraid to report situations due to lack of confidentiality but this number has been set up to be just that
. . . ANONYMOUS. Anyone can use it. We are hoping that by creating this tip line we can prevent a situation of injury, self-harm or death. If you feel someone is in danger or hear of a concern please call 641-585-8803.