The Covington Elks and Elkadettes wanted to expand the Drug Awareness program in Newton County five years ago. They decided to apply for a grant from Snapping Shoals REA for $5,000 and use it for the Drug Awareness puppet show. They were awarded the grant, wrote the script for ages 6 to 9 years of age and presented it to the Newton County Board of Education for approval. With their approval, we contacted East Newton Elementary School and presented the first Drug Awareness puppet show to about 140 students in the Spring of 2007.

There are Five puppets at the present time. Pat Kirkpatrick and Pat Pippin are Molly. Jack Wheeler is Sammy. June Moore is Cool Hand Luke, Mikie Wagy is Antquan and Theresa Parker is Sunny. These adults have put their heart and soul into these presentations.  The show explains what happens to the body when folks smoke. It encourages students to be drug-free. The theme is CHOOSE NOT TO USE.

Recently, we received notification that we have received another grant this year from Snapping Shoals for the Drug Awareness program for  $1,000. We are very grateful to them for giving us this opportunity to touch the lives of so many young children with our Drug Awareness message. The Covington Elks and Elkadettes have been involved with youth in Newton County for years. This is one main area in which we focus our time and talents. The Georgia Elks Past State President , Larry Capes,  who is from Covington, shares our dreams of touching the lives of many children in Newton County. He has filled in for us when one of our puppeteers had previous plans. He has also spoken with several of the classes at the schools.

At the present time, the Newton County Schools, grades 3, 4 and 5, are involved in a Drug Awareness Poster Contest which they will complete in the next few weeks and which is sponsored by the Covington Elks and Elkadettes. During the next couple of weeks, the middle school students will have the opportunity to compete in the Essay Contest. We do appreciate the counselors at the  schools helping us with these projects.

Miriam and Jack Wheeler, Drug Awareness Chairmen