VOL. XVI, NO. 7

The National Week on Smoking held January 11 through 17 was such a success this year that Student Council would like to continue this event again next year. Sandy Sadler, Student Council secretary, feels that the week was a success because "People become aware of the dangers of smoking, and non‑smokers had their rights for at least a day." The success of the non‑smoker's day, however, is questionable.

Although Friday, January 17, marked a non‑smoking day, many students and faculty resumed their regular practice of smoking during the school day. Students continued to leave the washrooms in a mess, leaving their ashes and cigarette butts covering the washroom floor. The matrons and custodians are the people responsible for cleaning up the washrooms after the children that create this mess are done for the day. Matron Mrs. Mae Bell did not see a great improvement in the washrooms on the day set aside for no smoking; she did, however, feel "Since the para‑professionals have started earlier and worked later, the washrooms have shown a improvement."

Mr. Fred Bencriscutto, dean of students, supports the week for non‑smokers. He feels, "Unfortunately, young people develop smoking habits; and once this is the case, students cannot go very long without a cigarette. The washrooms, out of the way places, are used. Our objective for supporting this week is, first of all, the school policy indicates no smoking: and second, we feel smoking can be detrimental to the health of youth."

Whether smoking is hazardous to someone's health or against school policy, the smoker should think of other people's feelings instead of just himself. Too many people are tired of coming out of the washroom smelling like they were just at the scene of the fire. Smokers should have courtesy for others and should not need extra supervision.