What if there was a scientifically created substance that was so irresistible, so alluring, that humanity would still want it even if the consequences were deadly? The substance was so irresistible that people would use it knowing that they’re giving the ultimate sacrifice of not only their health, but their lives.  What if the substance continuously took the lives of so many people that it became the leading cause of preventable death in the United States? What if, even knowing the facts of the consequences, the substance was legal to purchase only because of the billion dollar income it brought in for the State and Federal Government? As unrealistic at this theory may seem, what if this substance was real and that most people know exactly what it is.  This is no conspiracy or unknown secret; the substance can actually be easily purchased at any local store. The substance that currently causes an estimated 443,000 deaths each year is tobacco. We all know of it, and odds are we all know someone who uses it. Yet how much do we all honestly know about this substance?

As you may already know, Monroe High offers the H.O.T. program to various elementary schools here in Monroe. The H.O.T. program shares vast similarities to the D.A.R.E program we all took part in back in middle school. The program teaches younger individuals information about the exact hazards of tobacco, hence the name, the Hazards of Tobacco program.

    The program features selected Monroe High students who choose to stay clean of the deadly substance and are willing to teach information to under classmen about why they too should stay clear away from the substance. The students teach numerous lessons, such as what chemicals are in tobacco, how tobacco is made, the various types of tobacco products, and the short and long term consequences of using them.  Along with the lessons, the students also watch videos and participate in activities, and skill building reenactments.

    The program is our own students basically teaching lessons at other schools to awaken younger students of what exactly the substance is.  While awakening the students of what consequences come along with abusing the substance, the program was created in hopes to give the preteen individuals the knowledge to not use them. Especially being in their preteen years, the knowledge gained from the program gives them the confidence and intelligence to not stray down the deadly path when coming into their experimental teenage years.