The elementary gymnasium slowly filled. The excitement of another assembly thrilled the students. As the principal announced the program, the children quieted down. Harding Athletes as Role Models (HARM) traveled to elementary schools to talk about the importance of school. "We are a group of athletes chosen by our coaches to teach the importance of staying in school and away from drugs, " Steven Fitzhugh said. About 40 athletes traveled in groups of three to visit schools in White County and talk to children and teachers. Harding Athletes Amplify Awareness The athletes usually talked to a large assembly of older children and then visited individual classrooms. "This makes it more personal and individual ," Fitzhugh said. He said that sometimes a teacher would indicate that a student as young as fifth grade had already tried alcohol. "We try to talk to him about why he doesn 't need to do that . We try to teach him that it's not cool to drink," Fitzhugh said. HARM began three years ago when several schools called and wanted some athletes to talk to the kids during Red Ribbon week, a drug awareness program. "We went to three or four schools and afterward organized a group to continue that type of work," Fitzhugh said. "It's always great when a teacher addresses you and says, 'Hey, you changed a kid's life in there. ' That's what we are all about ," Fitzhugh said. "We are out to help the children. " - Julie Anderson Volleyball players, Shannon Massey and Regina HuddlestoJZ , answer questions aho111 drugs with students at Ahlf.Junior High School in Searcy. HARM traueled to schools throughout Searcy to increase drug awareness. Photo !J.11.Jaso11 Burt. VISA: Volunreers in Suppon of Admissions. I sl rou •: Katie Cobb, Carrie Payne, Jennifer Strickland, Chari:-. Walker , Jennifer James , Rebekah Lowe, Kendra Cheri. 2nd row: Chrystal Whitten, Heather Henson , Ashley C. McKelley, Denae Webber, Elizabeth Ray . 3rd rou~ Shannon Farley, Darin Knight, Bart Blasengame, Ryan Smirh, Kristy Alexander , Terry Davis. Photo by Michael Bass. Outreach Volunteers 163 Organizations
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