AIKEN --- About 15 youths from Helping Hands gathered at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center last week to learn about the importance of making good decisions in their lives.
The event, sponsored by the Aiken Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Services, sought to educate the youngsters about the consequences and risks associated with alcohol and drug use and the importance of college.
"An associate's and a bachelor's degree gives you the ability to control your future," said Andrew Hendrix, the director of admissions at the University of South Carolina Aiken, who urged his audience to "be aware of what you're interested in; it will help you in finding the right campus."
Alphia Dunbar, the director of prevention services at the drug center, said that events such as the youth awareness day help youths choose the right path.
"We go out into the community to educate youths on alcohol awareness and life choices, and we want them to go in the right direction," she said.
Aiken Public Safety officers did a drug dog demonstration, placing one of the pouches they use for training drug-sniffing dogs somewhere in the room for the dog to find.
When the dog found the pouch, it was empty, but it had the smell of drugs on it.
Ms. Dunbar said the demonstration showed the teens that, though they might not do drugs, they need to be aware of the people they associate with.
Reach Michelle Guffey at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or michelle.guffey@augustachronicle.com.
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