The issue of drugs and alcohol among students in high school has been present for years. Recently, a thought-provoking event took place for all Franklin juniors. There were two separate components to the assembly, which took place on November 3 in the main gym.

The assemblies were intended to inform juniors here on campus about how risky drugs really are and what their outcome can be.

“I wanted to reach some of the older students about drugs and their effects,” said teacher Jamie Davi, who organized this presentation and teaches health and driver education.

Victor DeNoble presented the assembly, supplying students with many valuable facts about drugs and alcohol and their effects on different parts of the body. He addressed a variety of drugs such as club drugs, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, crack-cocaine, nicotine, and alcohol.

He discussed many of the details that go along with drug use and the specific effects of certain drugs.

“Only two drugs can get you addicted on your first dose: methamphetamine and crack-cocaine. Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous drugs today,” he said. “[However,] it will not affect genetics. Alcohol is the only drug that can affect genetics… [and it] is the only drug that, when used as intended, will not get you addicted.”

DeNoble is a former research scientist for Philip Morris, where he headed a secret lab from 1980-1984. He received his doctorate degree in 1976 from Aldelphi University in Garden City, New York in the field of experimental psychology.

A majority of the students thought the most interesting part of the presentation was that DeNoble made the information at hand interesting when he spoke.

“[I liked] his comments on stuff… the answers were always either really funny or really interesting,” said junior Amarachi Okemiri.

It wasn’t only what DeNoble said that was interesting, but also the way in which he said it which captured students’ attention.

“I really liked how he presented the information. Not like people who read off a book and don’t actually know about the drugs… this guy actually tested them and studied the chemicals,” said junior Salvador Ortiz.

DeNoble’s presentation ability is a major reason that he reaches so many students.

“I feel like he’s a good presenter; he doesn’t come and say ‘don’t do drugs,’ he gives information and lets [the students] do with it what they want,” said Davi.

The presentation was available only to juniors due to limited space. There simply was not enough room in the gym or enough time in the school day to accommodate all classes.

“I would definitely like to have him here to talk to everybody; I wish we could reach more kids,” said Davi.

In terms of assemblies being the source of information about drugs, there were mixed emotions from students. Okemiri was among those who felt that assemblies may not be “the most beneficial ways to reach [students].”

“I think it’s important to know about drugs and how to prevent alcohol abuse… but I don’t think assemblies are the way. I do think that we [students] can benefit from the information,” she said.

The presentation consisted of an immensity of useful information on drugs, but many students were already aware of drugs and how dangerous they can be.

“I learned a lot but I was already informed about drugs,” said junior Alyssa Espinoza.

Overall, the assemblies achieved their goal.

“I do feel that it was successful… I would definitely do it again,” said Davi.