Teens More Likely To DUI On New Year's Eve

According to a survey conducted by Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions, an overwhelming majority of nearly 2,300 teens surveyed — 94 percent — said they would stop driving under the influence of alcohol if asked by a passenger. Ninety percent of teens would stop driving under the influence of marijuana if asked by a passenger.

 

The survey of almost 2,300 students in 11th and 12th grades asked them about how they perceived various holidays and events in terms of dangerous days to drive. Here are the results.

 

• New Year's Eve: 49 percent view it as a very dangerous or extremely dangerous day to drive; 10 percent of teen say they have driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol on this night.
• Fourth of July: 29 percent say Independence Day is very dangerous or extremely dangerous to drive; 8 percent say they have driven under the influence that day.
• Prom night: 20 percent consider prom night to be very dangerous or extremely dangerous; 6 percent say they have driven under the influence of drugs or alcohol on prom night.
• Of the teens surveyed, 6 percent said they have driven under the influence after homecoming, and, separately, high school football games. Four percent admit driving under the influence after graduation or a post-graduation party.

"New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate both the past year and the possibilities of the year to come, yet far too often poor decisions by teens result in tragic injuries and deaths," said Stephen Wallace, senior adviser for policy, research and education at SADD. "To avoid a fatal start to the New Year, teen passengers need to use their voices if they have concerns about their friends' behaviors. They will be heard."

Prior to New Year's Eve, parents need to have a conversation with their teen drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and fatigue as well as how to be a good driver and a good passenger," said Dave Melton, a driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual and managing director of global safety. "Teens also need to be prepared for dangerous behaviors of other drivers who will be impaired on New Year's Eve."

December

Isaiah 41:10  Fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


Example's December event was fun and very encouraging.  The event began with adults in recovery talking about their experiences, mistakes and desire to lead a drug-free life.  Shane, Matthew and Andrew spoke on behalf of F.A.N. Families Against Narcotics and shared their experiences with Example in order to encourage young men and women to avoid the pressures of drug and alcohol use.  Mark Rudolph a F.A.N. board member introduced the speaker and also shared his story on how he lost his son Ryan to a drug overdose four years ago.
While the stories were difficult to share, the speakers did an excellent job revealing the deadly consequences of foolish, destructive decisions.  Their stories and willingness to help other young men and women was very encouraging.

1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

And when we fail and are taken in by the devil's schemes, we know that through repentance and God's gift of mercy in His son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are washed clean in the blood of the Lamb.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The evening continued with some Christmas song trivia and culminated with Queen Anna, last year's Ugly Christmas Sweater champion, crowning this year's King, Dustin.

On the Left: The five finalists proudly display some of the most hideous Christmas sweaters on the planet.


On the Right: Dustin proudly accepts the winning prize for the ugliest Christmas sweater: red and green M&Ms.


Example alumni Coleson, Alayna, Katie, Amanda, Olivia, Kyle, Logan, Rachel, Becky and Queen Anna also joined in the festivities and served as judges for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest.  Thank you, alumni for returning and continuing to promote Example.

Romans 8:37-39 ...in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

December's Example Event

Example’s December activity is this Saturday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The event is open to Lutheran North students and the cost is $3.00.  Example alumni are invited to the event.  As always there will be the Example Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest and other fun activities.  

Example’s guest speaker will be Mark Rudolph, the executive director of F.A.N. Families Against Narcotics.  Mark will share how FAN came into being after the death of his son to drug abuse in 2007 and what the organization is doing to help fight this growing problem in all of our communities.

Must See Videos

"It is the new drinking.  It's easy to get their hands on and they're dying."  
- Judge Linda Davis 41B District Court as she was interviewed on former Senator Alan Sanborn's show Outside Michigan Politics.

Parents, don't miss this video:

Example Alumni: Save the Date

During last year's December event, Example alumni Kyle Wangelin, and other esteemed Example alumni, voted Anna Kasper as the 2010 - 2011 Ugly Christmas Sweater Champion.  This year Anna and all the other Example alumni are invited back to Lutheran North on December 17 at 7:00 to help crown this year's champion.

Example's next activity takes place on December 17 at 7:00.  The cost is $3.00 and open to Lutheran North Students only.

Stay tuned for more details.  

The November event was a great time.  The video and recap is under construction and will be posted soon.  We collected seven boxes of donations to send to our military heroes.  Thank you for attending the event and thank you for supporting the service men and women of our armed forces.

Example's November Activity

Example's next activity is this Saturday, November 19 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.  Yes, there will be great activities.  Yes, you will laugh and enjoy spending time with your friends.  Yes, there will be pizza, chips, Capri Suns, cookies and more. Yes, the cost is $3.00. 

There will also be an activity that is a bit different.  Example would like to write letters to the men and women serving our country in the armed forces.  We will write the letters during the event.  However, we would also like to collect donations that we can send our military heroes as a small gesture of thanks.  If you would like to show your appreciation please bring any of the following items:

• Animal crackers - no frosting
• Small packs of peanuts and sunflower seeds
• Blueberry pie filling
• Canned peaches
• Car, hunting or sports magazines
• Seasoning salt: Lawry's, Weber Grill seasonings
• Pre-paid phone card
• AA batteries
• Gum, Skittles or Sweet Tarts for local kids
• Beef Jerky/Slim Jims
• Powdered energy drink like Gatorade

Example will box up the donations and send them to the troops via Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club. 

The Lord has blessed all our lives with grace, mercy, peace, hope and salvation through His son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  This is one small way we can respond to the all the gifts that God has seen fit to give us. 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." I Peter 1:3

If you have any questions e-mail Mr. Brandt, JBrandt@lhsa.com, or leave a message on his voice-mail at school (586-781-9151 Ext. 118) 

Marijuana 101: Clearing the Smoke

How dangerous is marijuana for your health?
What are the legal consequences of using and/or possessing marijuana?

Get the facts at Dakota High School on Wednesday, December 9

Dakota High School in conjunction with the Macomb County Sheriff's office and the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families is hosting Family Night Out: Marijuana 101 - Clearing the smoke. The evening will reveal the myths and truths about marijuana use. The evening lasts from 6:30 - 8:30, includes a pizza dinner and there is no charge for admission.

Click here for more information

Sum-Ardy Success!

Sum-Ardy, as the name does or does not imply, was Example's November event that featured intensely competitive trivia challenges.  Over 90 students showed up to battle wits, intellect and have fun.  The winners, in two separate pictures, are shown below.  Yes, they possessed more trivial knowledge than any other team in the gym.  Yes, they took the highly cherished, horse-head-on-a-stick home as a prize along with gift cards to 7-11.  Yes, they will return to defend their title at a future event.

The night also included a presentation by Stephanie Lange, Student Assistant Specialist at Dakota High School, on the myths and dangers of marijuana.

PARENTS: Dakota High School in conjunction with the Macomb County Sheriff's office and the Chippewa Valley Coalition for Youth and Families is hosting Family Night Out: Marijuana 101 - Clearing the smoke. The evening will reveal the myths and truths about marijuana use. The evening lasts from 6:30 - 8:30, includes a pizza dinner and there is no charge for admission. Click here for more details on the event.

Mark your calenders for Example's next event:  

Saturday November 19.

Read All About It!

The October 5 issue of The Macomb Voice ran this article on its front page.

Sumo Wrestling + Jeopardy =

Sum-ardy

There's nothing sketchy about this Saturday's Example activity. 

It will be a great night of intense competition, laughs and fun. 

Don't miss it.

The festivities begin at 7:00  in the gym and will last until 9:00 pm. 

Enter through the cafeteria doors. 

The cost is $3.00 

God gave us brains for a reason.  Don't lose yours

Mixing it up at Example

Just what do we do at Example?  Check this video from our September event:

Responsible Dweebs are Sagacious Dweebs

Jeremy calls it being a dweeb.  Example calls it being intelligent and mature.

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way."  - Psalm 25:9

Homecoming Week: Wednesday, September 28

Not only is  II Timothy 2:22:  an easy verse to remember, it speaks directly to the temptations of underage drinking that youth face today:  "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 

Tim Tebow is a quarterback for the Denver Broncos.  As a college quarterback he was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. While it's usually not a good idea to take media/athletic celebrities and use them as examples, Tebow is an exception.  Recently I came across a great insight he had on resisting the temptation of drugs and alcohol:

"Some guys also seem to think that it's impossible to resist temptation.  I've found  - as in other areas - that if I've already thought through a situation and have a response prepared ahead of time in the event temptation rears its ugly head, it is that much easier to resist.  Of course, staying away from situations and questionable areas whenever possible, where I know there may be temptations, is an even better solution."

Unfortunately, Homecoming may be one of those times where you find yourself in a situation that demands a response you have prepared ahead of time.  Don't let the emotions of the moment influence you to make decisions you know are not part of God's plan for your life.  Example encourages you to enjoy Spirit Week, Powder Puff, the soccer game, the football game, the face paint, the visiting alumni, the dance and the fun with friends after the dance.  As Homecoming approaches, Example also encourages you to think about how you will make God-pleasing decisions during all of those great experiences.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.     Isaiah 41:10

Homecoming Week: Monday, September 26

Homecoming week is one of the most exciting and fun times of the year. If we could bottle the energy and laughter of this week, we could power the world’s turbines for a very long time. Parents, Example also wants to encourage you to help your son/daughter make this a fun, exciting and safe week and weekend. With that in mind, Example offers these tips:

1. Be sure to talk about the importance of making good decisions with your sons and daughters. Yes, they have heard this message. Yes, they may give you the eye-roll. How many times did we remind them to look both ways before crossing the street? We wanted to ensure their safety. Although the social pressures may be different, the goal is always the same: ensure the safety of your children.

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

2. If your son or daughter is attending a post-dance party or going to a friend’s house, be sure to contact the parents. Ask if there will be adults at supervising the “afterglow”. Ask the parents hosting the party if they will allow drinking? It may seem like an awkward question, but the potential future of your child is at stake. Taking the car keys from underage drinkers doesn’t make underage drinking any more legal or safe. It’s illegal and it doesn’t prevent deaths from alcohol poisoning. Serving alcohol to minors is illegal and can result in stiff penalties, including up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. In addition, parents can be sued if they give alcohol to a teen and the teen is injured in any way.  Here is just one tragic story that could have been avoided.

Isaiah 40: 29 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Communication and information during Homecoming festivities can help ensure you and your child have a safe, fun and healthy weekend.

Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Must See TV

Click the PARENTS tab at the top of this page for information on a segment that channel 4 will air Monday night, September 19 at 11:00 pm on channel 4.

Example T-shirts and Hoodies

Example t-shirts are on sale for $10.00. You can get them at any time from Mr. Brandt.  

We are also planning to place a hoodie order.  So if you would like to be warm this fall AND reveal to the world that you are part of Example, place your order with Mr. Brandt.  Both hoodies and t-shirts have the Example logo on the front and I Timothy 4:12 on the back.  

We'll place an order for hoodies in two weeks.   Check back here in the middle of this week for the cost of the hoodie.

Example hoodies and t-shirts can be worn on Spirit Fridays all year long.  

Don't forget to sign up to receive Example posts directly to your e-mail and

check out the Example Facebook page for pictures from the first event of this year.

You sent them to college, now send them a care package

Parents,

Did you just send a child or two out the door to a college or university?  No matter how many miles are between you and your child(ren), your guidance, wisdom and prayers are always needed.  Send them a care package from the Lutheran youth organization, Higher Things. HT offers great resources, devotions, conferences and a quarterly magazine geared toward high school and college students.

Check out the care package contents and send them something that reminds them of your love and concern for their physical and more importantly,  spiritual well-being.

Example's First Activity

Welcome back to school and to Example!  

Nothing says back to school like the first Example activity.  Clear your calendar for Saturday, September 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.  The cost is $3.00.  We'll meet in the cafeteria and move on from there for Example's  first activity of the school year.  

Remember, there are no dues, no secret handshakes, no fraternity or sorority rushes.  

With Example there is fun, some food and meeting people that share the same values.  Be sure to check out the videos from some of last year's events. The first event always involves paint, hands and declaring your support for Example, your friends and yourself.  Don't worry, the paint washes off....eventually.
 

God has showered us with so many earthly and heavenly blessings, in his Son our Savior, that we have a great opportunity to live in loving response to those gifts.  One way we can all do this is to reject the myth that alcohol and drugs are an inevitable part of high school.  We know they are not.  We know they are not part of God's plan for our lives.  We know He gives us the strength to resist satan's lies:  

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Yes, school is back and so is Example.  

We're waiting for you.

Gearing Up!

The planning for Example 2011 - 2012 is beginning.  We are looking forward to some great fun, great events and great ways to encourage high school students to avoid alcohol and drugs.  We are also looking forward to helping out parents with a variety of resources, encouragement and suggestions.

Plan on being a leader with your actions, voice and commitment to avoid alcohol and drugs.

Let the school year begin and let's start by making intelligent, God-pleasing decisions in response to the forgiveness, grace and mercy given to us through Christ's death and resurrection.

 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 
I Timothy 4:12

Teens and Extreme Drinking

Alarming information parents and students need to understand:

According to the CDC, about 90% of all teen alcohol consumption occurs in the form of binge drinking, which, experts say, peaks at age 19.

Why is Four Loko called Blackout in a can?

“Four Loko is everywhere,” says Gabby K., 17, a high school junior in New Jersey. “It tastes like candy, so you can drink a lot of it fast. It’s pretty potent and it only costs around $3 a can. It’s a faster way to get drunk without having to deal with the taste of liquor.”

Read the article for more information about the dangers and remedies for this growing problem.

Graduation party season is here

Graduation parties are underway and Example wants to remind parents to be vigilant and intelligent while celebrating this fantastic achievement. 

Parents hosting graduation parties:  Know the laws.  Serving alcohol to minors is illegal and can result in stiff penalties, including up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.  In addition, parents can be sued if they give alcohol to a teen and the teen is injured in any way.

Parents that think taking the car keys from underage drinkers is the solution, apparently have never heard of alcohol poisoning.  Alcohol poisoning kills underage drinkers every year. Know how alcohol poisoning affects the body, know the warning signs and never hesitate to get help. Shelby Allen's life may have been spared if somebody sought medical help sooner.

Parents, if you don't know what happened to Shelby Allen or think the dangers of alcohol poisoning are not real, stop reading this blog immediately and follow this link  and learn about her tragedy. 

Drug-Free Action Alliance offers these tips for parents hosting parties.

Kickball Tournament Champions: '98 Civics

The Second Annual Example Kickball Tournament was great fun.  The weather was perfect. Competition was fierce. Hot dogs were...hot.  Team Faculty is still undefeated.

Team Oreos used Double Stuff as a secret weapon.

Team '98 Civics had a great name and a great game plan: score more runs than the opponent.










Team Alumni journeyed back to the grounds to show that after a year of college they are smarter and better at kickball.  Based on their loss to the faculty team, they were half right.

Team Lakers used Coleson's hamstring injury as a rallying point but found it just wasn't enough to out-kick the American Idol Kickball Club Fans United.

American Idol Kickball Club Fans United was an amalgamation of talent, experience and base-running savvy.  However, it simply wasn't meant to be as they lost in the championship round to the '98 Civics. 

'98 Civics are the champions.  No time for losers because they are the champions....of the Example Kickball Tournament

The Example video technicians are working hard to compile video highlights of the event. 

Stay tuned....

2nd Annual Example Kickball Tournament

15 Shots Killed Shelby Allen

Parents, this is a must read.

Example doesn't try to shock students into not drinking for the weekend and that's not the reason we posted this article.  We want to educate parents and students about how a tragedy like this could occur and what we can do to prevent it from ever happening again. 

Take 15 minutes to read 15 Shots Killed Shelby Allen.  It will definitely be worth it.

A Great Resource for Parents

On Saturday, May7, Dr. Charlene Irvin was a guest on the Lutheran Radio show, Our World His View.  Earlier in the year, Example invited her to speak at one of our monthly activities. 
On Saturday's show Dr. Irvin spoke about her experiences as the Research Director at St. John's Hospital in Detroit and as a doctor in the emergency department.  She is also the mother of four Lutheran North graduates
Her advice to young men and women as well as their parents is direct, honest and insightful.  Take some time out of your schedule and click this link to listen to Dr. Irvin.  It will certainly be worth it.

Prom Balloons

The final activity for Example's Prom Week was to tie a balloon to every car in the parking lot.  The message to the students was from Psalm 18:2.  "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.  He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

We are not left alone to deal with the temptations of this life.  Our Creator reminds and encourages us that our strength is in His almighty and sovereign power.  With Him as our stronghold, with Christ as our strength we wear the robes of righteousness and are forever children of God.



Prom Assembly

On Wednesday, May 4 Example hosted an assembly and invited members of the community to share their experiences with the students and parents of Lutheran North.  Macomb Township Fire Chief Robert Phillips, Detective John Perry of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Youth Bureau, Lutheran North graduate and former teacher Rev. Josh Ball and two people who share their experiences about the negative affects alcohol has had in their lives.

The idea behind the assembly is to encourage everyone to make decisions that do not involve drugs and alcohol.  An event like Prom can be a great time without the deception, dangers and tragic decisions to use alcohol or drugs.

Example thanks the members of the panel and especially Nancy Donahue, the Director of Programs for Macomb Family Services  for moderating the panel discussion.

Read more about the assembly in the Macomb Patch. 

We also showed this video that reminds young men and women they have the strength to resist drug use and be a part of the solution.

Prom is worth remembering

Example PROMise

Many students have signed the Example PROMise sheets this week. 

Example PROMise 

By signing this contract I PROMise to…

 

• not drink or use other drugs during this Prom weekend
• encourage my friends to make the same God-pleasing decisions during this Prom weekend
• realize the life-saving decisions to not drink or use drugs goes beyond just this Prom weekend
• cherish all the blessings I have through Christ and respond to the unconditional and eternal love my Savior has for me, a redeemed child of God, by being an Example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity

__________________________________________________________________

                                                               (Name)

 

Prom Week: Part One

Prom is just around the corner and Example has a lot of activities planned to help students avoid the dangers of alcohol and drugs during this exciting end-of-the-year event.  One of those activities is similar to the town hall meeting Example hosted last year.  However, the difference is this year's panel of experts will take place during an assembly.

Battling Underage Drinking
On Wednesday, May 4 Example, Lutheran North’s anti-drug/alcohol group, is hosting an assembly discussing the problem of underage drinking and drug use. The assembly will begin immediately after chapel.

Parents are invited to attend chapel and stay for the assembly to hear a panel of experts facilitate a discussion on underage drinking, how it affects our community and ways we can address the problem. Chapel meets in the main gym and begins at 10:07 immediately followed by the assembly which concludes at 11:00.

If you have any questions, please contact John Brandt via e-mail or 586.781.9151  Ext. 118

Kickball is Back!!!!

The Example kickball tournament will be Saturday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m.  The cost for each person attending or playing or eating or watching is $3.00.

More rules and regulations will be published as soon as the suits in Legal let us know.  Until then, save the date, stretch out the hamstrings and get ready for the last Example event of the year. 

Example alumni will also field a team for this year's tournament. 

Grilled meats, and their additive fillers, will also be part of the festivities.

More details will follow.

In like a lion?

Tell your boss you need the day off.  Tell those neighbors they will have to watch their own kids.  Tell your teachers they can't assign any homework.  Tell your coach to go easy on you.  Why such vehement demands?

Example's next activity is March 19 at 7:00 pm.  If you haven't been to an Example activity this year, time is running out.  Delay no more and plan on attending Example's March event. 

See Mr. Brandt if you have any questions.