Former NBA player and Harlem Globetrotter Archie Talley was the speaker at the first Choices convocation. “Needless to say, he was a huge hit .... he truly has a special place in his heart for all youth” and has been invited back.
During the past school year, Blessing planned Choices events for almost every month.
Batesville Middle School and BHS student volunteers participated together in the BHS Homecoming Parade, typically in September. “Our theme over the past few years has been ‘Don’t let Drugs Rain on Your Parade!’ We had a professional banner made that has an umbrella on it with drug names raining down on it.” Students wore rain gear, carried umbrellas and passed out candy and Choices logo items.
Christian rapper Beacon was the September convo at both schools. “The students had told me that they really like music mixed into the message rather than just someone standing there talking to them ... He and his sidekick Peazy, who was a huge hit, put on a great show about making good choices both while speaking and rapping.”
During October’s Red Ribbon Week, BMS and BHS students heard drug-free messages every morning on the announcements, were welcomed by sidewalk chalk messages, had dress-up days that correlated with anti-drug and alcohol themes and could win prizes. BHS students viewed a casket with an antialcohol/ drug message and the favorite students vs. staff volleyball game. The Great American Smokeout was marked in November with anti-tobacco announcements at both schools. After teachers read an informational piece, suckers were handed out at BMS with a note saying, “Don’t be a sucker and succumb to Big Tobacco Advertising.” BMS students also signed a graffiti wall with things they would rather spend their money on than tobacco.
BMS and St. Louis School students had the opportunity to attend the popular annual Choices Free Movie Night Dec. 20, 2017. Each of 93 attendees was treated to free admission to the movie “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” plus popcorn, a drink and candy item.