Will they see clearly now?

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ESCANABA - Fifth-graders at Holy Name School were given a presentation Wednesday on underage drinking, the effects alcohol has on the brain and the dangers of drunk driving.

The presentation was a collaborative effort between Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties and the Delta County Sheriff's Department.

Deputy Don Brockway and Public Health Prevention Specialist Ruth Botbyl discussed statistics, myths and facts about underage drinking. Although most fifth-graders don't drink alcohol, Brockway said they may have access to it and may face difficult situations and peer pressure.

"The information and studies show that kids around this age are being introduced to alcohol either by kids their own age or by older kids," said Brockway. "We're trying to target them now before they get into that situation."

Brockway said he has made presentations on underage drinking to students for many years. One of the things he likes to stress to students is that alcohol is a drug.

"Most kids don't consider it a drug because it's sold at grocery stores and they think well how can it be illegal if it's being sold at the store, but actually it's the most abused, legal drug there is," he said.

To show the students how alcohol effects the brain and dulls the senses, Brockway had fifth-grade teacher Rhonda Bernson put on the "fatal vision goggles" which simulate how vision is impaired by alcohol. The students got the idea when Bernson stumbled around while attempting to walk.

Both Brockway and Botbyl encouraged the students to be smart and strong when it comes time for them to make the decision about drinking or drinking and driving.

"I hope this makes you guys stop and think when it comes to deciding whether to drink or not," said Brockway. "I hope you make the right choices, and if you make a mistake and drink, don't make the even bigger mistake of driving."

Fifth-grader Scott Sviland said he felt sure he would make the right decision in the future.

"I don't think it will be hard," he said. "I learned that people can easily die from alcohol and kill others like with drunk driving."

At the end of the presentation, the students were given handouts to take home for parent and child discussions. Fifth-grader Jackie O'Driscoll said the presentation made her aware of how dangerous alcohol can be.

"I learned that a lot of bad things can happen to people (when they drink) and you should pay attention to what you do when you get older," she said.