“It’s Homecoming, not a home going,” said Lt. T.C. Bland of the University Police Department (UPD). 

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week (DAAWk) was held Wednesday, Oct. 21 until Friday, Oct. 23 to help students become aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.  The annual program was sponsored by Sebastian Health Center, along with Housing and Residence Life, Office of First Year Experience, Greek Life, Counseling Services and UPD. Committee Chair Kaye Ziglar said the purpose of DAAWk is to heighten the awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

“We purposely have the observance right before homecoming because a lot of students feel that drugs and alcohol guarantee a good time,” said Ziglar.

The opening ceremony Oct. 21 was held outside Williams Cafeteria included a demonstration from UPD and Patrol Dog Argo. The demonstration highlighted Argo’s ability to detect any drug from any place even if it is hidden.

Ellis and Bland presented four boxes to Argo, but only one consisted of drugs. Argo had to search each box until he found the drugs in the correct area, which he did by simply placing his paw on top of the drug box.

Patrol Officer J.W. Ellis said Argo is trained to sense drugs such as, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy and crack/cocaine.  “We will usually reward him with one of his favorite toys once he has found the drugs in the correct area,” said Ellis.

Along with the UPD demonstration, 97.1 QMG came out to support the event by handing out information on drugs and alcohol and providing free water to students on campus.

Promotional Assistant Willie Lewis said he came out with the radio station to remind students to be safe during homecoming week.

“There are entirely too many of ‘us’ going to jail over stupid stuff,” said Lewis. “We get in trouble for drugs and alcohol too much as a culture.”  Lewis said it is not necessary to drink and do drugs to have a good time.

“I mean hey, you can actually remember everything you did for homecoming,” said Lewis with a chuckle.

Junior Charlene McPherson said she enjoyed the program, specifically Argo’s demonstration. 

“The dog is very smart and I felt very safe knowing that he can detect drugs easily,” said McPherson.

McPherson said people are most likely going to act crazy since homecoming has landed on Halloween this year, but she was glad to see programs to make students aware of the dangers they could face if they allow their alcohol and drug use to get out of control.

“If you know you are going to drink just make sure you have a driver,” said McPherson.Bland emphasized that police would be out working not only the game, but campus as a whole in prevention of vandalism and any other crime.

“I hope there are not a lot of problems, but people will take advantage of the opportunity to do mischief,” said Bland.

DAAWk continued Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 with programs consisting of speakers from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), High-Point Police Department and former radio and television personality Tolly Carr.

Carr reminded students that one moment of fun is not worth ruining the rest of your life. Carr was an established journalist until he had an accident due to drunk driving and killed a young man. He spent time in prison and lost his prior job as a result of it.

“I went from having an A in my social life to having an F,” said Carr.

Lt. Walter Heaviland of the High Point Police Department said students should try new things and give full effort to prevent friends from drunk driving.

“If you plan on having a gathering, make sure you keep tab on everyone drinking or either collect all the keys into a box a lock them into a room. That way only the sober driver will be able to gain access to the box and find the right key,” said Heaviland.

Bland reminded students they want everyone to have a good time, but to be safe at the same time. “If it seems wrong, don’t do it,” said Bland.

Ziglar said, “We don’t want any tragedies, we want a happy homecoming.”

• Ashley Reid