David Keesee first heard the acronym AIDS in eighth grade when a health class speaker talked about the dangers of illicit drug use.
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"He said the usual about not using needles because you could get AIDS from dirty needles, and I was like, 'What's AIDS?,"' David said. "I didn't know what AIDS was. It's hush-hush in schools."
Last summer, David, a senior at Lakeside High School, attended a seminar on AIDS at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, and was astonished to find out just how much he still didn't know.
"I thought I knew a lot about (AIDS), but what I really found out is that I didn't know anything," he said. "I was appalled that the people sitting beside me didn't know much, either."
So, David chose the topic as the subject for his senior project.
The original idea was to create a Web site, but he said it grew into much more. Through his research David has learned more about the disease, and it has become his passion.
"When someone is diagnosed, they are often alienated and discriminated against," he said. "Their friends are gone. Oftentimes, your church rejects you. Sometimes they don't have anyone."
David said he was most surprised to learn that there was no youth advocacy group in Augusta, so for his Eagle Scout service project, he created Unitarian Universalist Youth Against AIDS, a youth group dedicated to AIDS education and understanding.
"It surprised me when they approved it," David said. "Usually (Scouts) around here do something with the outdoors."
His work hasn't slowed since, culminating in an AIDS awareness fair Saturday at the Unitarian Church. The event featured breakout sessions, information tables and educational games.
"I really am proud of David," said his mother, Gayla Keesee. "In today's time, when it's politically correct to go with the flow, one of the things David has done is be willing to stand up for his principles."
David also received support from the Scout community - several helped him set up for the fair.
While the fair is over, David said his mission continues.
"It's something like two young people per hour that are infected," he said. "The only way to change that is through education."
To find out more about how to get involved with UUYAA, call David Keesee, 414-6515.
IF YOU GO:
What: 20th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
When: 6-10 p.m. Sunday
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 3501 Walton Way Extension
HIV/AIDS
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by a virus (HIV or human immunodeficiency virus) that impairs the immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases and infections. It is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, sharing needles, through blood transfusions or by contact with open wounds.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS AND TEENS
Half of all new infections in the United States are attributed to young people, ages 13-24
Teen girls account for 58 percent of new AIDS cases reported among ages 13-19
Although black and Latino teens each represent only about 15 percent of U.S. teens, they account for most of the new AIDS cases reported among teens.
(Source: Campaign For Our Children, Inc.)
Each hour, two Americans ages 13 to 24 contract HIV.
Each year 3,000 adolescents contract sexually transmitted diseases, which account for about one in four sexually experienced teens.
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Life Scout David Keesee, 17 of Lakeside High School holds up a t-shirt he has made for the AIDS awareness fair he organized.
ANNETTE M. DROWLETTE/STAFF
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Almost 50 percent of educators who teach about HIV/AIDS reported spending only one or two class periods on the topic.
Twenty-five percent of U.S. high school students said that they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they last engaged in sexual activity.
In a recent survey, 87 percent of young Americans said they do not believe they are at risk for HIV infection.
(Source: Office of National AIDS Policy: The White House - Youth and HIV/AIDS 2000: A New American Agenda.
Reach Jennifer Hilliard at (706) 823-3223 or jennifer.hilliard@augustachronicle.com.
