Page 48 - Coffee County

of local leaders to foster safe and accurate answers to the unsettled questions in the minds of most teenagers. Information was sent home with students that included an opt-out letter. There was also a community preview night before the actual event that would host all eighth and ninth grade students of Coffee County. Since the subject matter was sensitive, both the school system and family connection wanted to ensure proof that the program was indeed abstinence based.

The Director of the Coffee County Family Connection Program, April Thomason, had witnessed the success of this project in many other counties across the state and wanted that same experience for our students. Ms. Thomason also wished to make the families of our community more aware of the services available to them. There was no better opportunity for community collaboration than Teen Maze, so the business of planning began.

The event was held in the auditorium of Coffee Middle School. Upon arrival to the Maze, students were given a booklet that not only explained the purpose of the program, but it also presented facts that are linked to consequences. The entire booklet supported the concept of appropriate vs. inappropriate life choices and the consequences of them both. Also inside, there was a personal survey pertaining to the current behaviors of the student in relationship to their attitude toward school and education. Reasons were listed as to the importance of staying in school and striving for a quality lifestyle. The back of the booklet supplied blank pages for notes and reminders to be jotted while