MAY 17, 1968
Assembly Awakens Students To Hazard of Drug Abuse
Mr. A. K. H. Cochrane, assistant principal, introduced the program. He explained that the students should be informed of the dangers of the improper usage of drugs. This program, which he had heard previously, appeared to have a very worthwhile message for students.
Mr. Cochrane presented Mr. Devore Walterman, executive director of the Council for Prevention of Drug Abuse. Mr. Walterman has spent seven years doing research on the problem of drugs. During this time he has visited other countries in order to learn all he could about drugs.
Mr. Walterman advised, "Watch who your friends are; judge them for their character," He continued, "A stranger will never introduce you to drugs; he will always be someone close to you."
After showing "Pit of Despair," a movie about a high school athlete who ruined his future because of drugs, Mr. Walterman introduced "Pete," a former drug addict.
Pete was a dope addict for 17 years. "I had 17 years of a miserable life. I've done it all; I put a gun in my hand and stuck up people. I spent nine years in prison just because of dope."
In 1950 after high school Pete started taking heroin. Pete did not know that heroin was habit forming. He did not have the opportunity to see such programs as these about drugs.
Pete's two daughters were born addicts. One of the girls almost died. They are now living with his mother, and Pete is proud of the fact that he is able to support them.
When Pete came out of federal prison in 1961, he began selling drugs. The people in the syndicate, who gave Pete the drugs to sell, were not addicts. "They were smarter than that," he indicated.
Pete kicked the habit 13 times unsuccessfully. But on May 28, 1967, he was successful. "One year without drugs!" he divulged. "It's really been a happy year."
Pete never wanted to become an addict, but he could not stay away from drugs in spite of exposure to many good influences. Because of Pete's "personal experience with God, all longing was gone, just like that."
Many students were interested enough in drug abuse that they contacted Mr. Walterman and asked him what they could do to aid in the drive to prevent the spread of drug addiction. Because of their genuine interest, Mr. Walterman suggested possible organizing a seminar for the students at Maine West on the prevention of the use of drugs.