September 2002

Saying No to Drugs and Yes to Life

Winner / September 2002 3

still walked to and from school with them.One morning mother said, “I have a dentist appointment this

afternoon. I’ll be there just as soon as I can. Wait by the flagpolefor me.”

After school Nessie and Gina walked to the flagpole, butMother wasn’t there.

“Let’s go,” Gina said. “I have a lot of homework to do.”“Mother told me to wait,” Nessie reminded.“Well, she didn’t tell me,” Gina announced. “I’m going.”“Gina . . .”Nessie watched Gina cross the street and start down the

block. Her mother was nowhere to be seen. She felt like runningafter Gina. We aren’t babies, she thought. Besides . . .

She stopped in midthought, staring down the street. Theblue car! It was pulling over to where Gina was walking.

“Gina!” Nessie yelled. “Run!”But Gina was too far away to hear. Just then a cab stopped,

and Nessie’s mother got out. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” shebegan.

“Mom, the blue car,” Nessie shouted, pointing down theblock. “He’s after Gina!”

By then Gina was running back toward the school. The bluecar made a U-turn and was following her. Nessie’s motherpulled her cell phone out of her purse and called 9-1-1.

When Gina was almost to the school, the blue car suddenlymade another U-turn and headed in the opposite direction.

“The blue car!” Gina wheezed, out of breath. “He-he wantedto give me candy! It was just like you said, Nessie!”

A few minutes later two police cars arrived. “Whathappened?” one of the officers asked.

“It was the blue car,” Nessie explained. “But this time I gotthe license number.”

Everyone stared at Nessie. “You got his license number?” hermother questioned in surprise. “But everything happened so fast.”

“I knew it was important, so I wrote it down,” Nessie said,holding up a piece of paper.

As Nessie watched the 6:00 p.m. news on television thatevening, they announced a late-breaking news story. “Localpolice report the arrest of a man suspected of preying on youngschoolgirls. Candy laced with drugs was found in his car. Theofficers give credit for the arrest to one of the girls who wrotedown the car’s license number.”

“I am so proud of you, Nessie,” her mother said. “That wasfast thinking.”

Nessie smiled. She was proud too, but mostly she was justglad that the blue car wouldn’t be around anymore!

1. Nessie likes candy. So whydid she run when a man offeredto give her some?

2. Is it ever a good idea to takecandy or anything else from astranger?

3. How did Nessie know it wasimportant to write down thecar’s license number?

4. Do you walk to school byyourself ?

5. Do you have a list of safetyrules?

www.winnermagazine.org2

Nessie was on her way home from schoolwhen a blue car pulled up to the curb. “Hey,pretty girl,” a man said, leaning outthe window. “Want somecandy?”

“No!” Nessiescreamed and took offrunning as fast asshe could.Glancing back,she could seethe blue carstill followingher. Sheknew shecould neveroutrun acar, so sheraced upMrs.Pringle’sdriveway,through thebackyard,out the gate,and down thealley.

Two minuteslater Nessie raninto her house,heart pounding.“Nessie,” her motherexclaimed. “What’swrong?”

As Nessie was explaining whathad happened, her mother asked, “What aboutGina? You always walk with her.”

“Gina has the flu,” Nessie said, still panting.

“This is terrible,” Mother said. “I’m callingthe police.”

Soon two police officers arrived andbegan asking questions. “What’s your

name, young lady?” one of theofficers began.

“Vanessa Jean Caldin,”Nessie replied. “But

everybody calls meNessie.”

The officers askedNessie a lot ofquestions, but shehad only a fewanswers. “The carwas blue and theman was wearingdark glasses anda red-and-whitecap,” sheremembered.

“Did you getthe car’s licensenumber?” one of

the officers asked.“I was running

too fast even tothink about that,”

Nessie replied.The next day Nessie’s

mother walked her toschool. “I’ll be here when

school gets out,” she toldNessie. “Wait for me.”

Nessie’s mother walked with Nessieto school and home from school the nextweek. Gina finally got over the flu and startedwalking with Nessie again, but Nessie’s mother

Fill in the blanks:

N _ V _ R T A _ K

T _ S T _ A _ G E _ S

Finish this poem (or better yet,

write one of your own!):

I like candy ’cause it’s sweet,

But I only eat it as a treat.

If a stranger says, “It’s free, man!”

Run away as fast __ __ __.

Answers on page 13.

Jaso

n Da

Quin

o

Nessie and the Blue Car by Alan Cliburn

Winner / September 2002 3

still walked to and from school with them.One morning mother said, “I have a dentist appointment this

afternoon. I’ll be there just as soon as I can. Wait by the flagpolefor me.”

After school Nessie and Gina walked to the flagpole, butMother wasn’t there.

“Let’s go,” Gina said. “I have a lot of homework to do.”“Mother told me to wait,” Nessie reminded.“Well, she didn’t tell me,” Gina announced. “I’m going.”“Gina . . .”Nessie watched Gina cross the street and start down the

block. Her mother was nowhere to be seen. She felt like runningafter Gina. We aren’t babies, she thought. Besides . . .

She stopped in midthought, staring down the street. Theblue car! It was pulling over to where Gina was walking.

“Gina!” Nessie yelled. “Run!”But Gina was too far away to hear. Just then a cab stopped,

and Nessie’s mother got out. “Sorry to keep you waiting,” shebegan.

“Mom, the blue car,” Nessie shouted, pointing down theblock. “He’s after Gina!”

By then Gina was running back toward the school. The bluecar made a U-turn and was following her. Nessie’s motherpulled her cell phone out of her purse and called 9-1-1.

When Gina was almost to the school, the blue car suddenlymade another U-turn and headed in the opposite direction.

“The blue car!” Gina wheezed, out of breath. “He-he wantedto give me candy! It was just like you said, Nessie!”

A few minutes later two police cars arrived. “Whathappened?” one of the officers asked.

“It was the blue car,” Nessie explained. “But this time I gotthe license number.”

Everyone stared at Nessie. “You got his license number?” hermother questioned in surprise. “But everything happened so fast.”

“I knew it was important, so I wrote it down,” Nessie said,holding up a piece of paper.

As Nessie watched the 6:00 p.m. news on television thatevening, they announced a late-breaking news story. “Localpolice report the arrest of a man suspected of preying on youngschoolgirls. Candy laced with drugs was found in his car. Theofficers give credit for the arrest to one of the girls who wrotedown the car’s license number.”

“I am so proud of you, Nessie,” her mother said. “That wasfast thinking.”

Nessie smiled. She was proud too, but mostly she was justglad that the blue car wouldn’t be around anymore!

1. Nessie likes candy. So whydid she run when a man offeredto give her some?

2. Is it ever a good idea to takecandy or anything else from astranger?

3. How did Nessie know it wasimportant to write down thecar’s license number?

4. Do you walk to school byyourself ?

5. Do you have a list of safetyrules?

www.winnermagazine.org2

Nessie was on her way home from schoolwhen a blue car pulled up to the curb. “Hey,pretty girl,” a man said, leaning outthe window. “Want somecandy?”

“No!” Nessiescreamed and took offrunning as fast asshe could.Glancing back,she could seethe blue carstill followingher. Sheknew shecould neveroutrun acar, so sheraced upMrs.Pringle’sdriveway,through thebackyard,out the gate,and down thealley.

Two minuteslater Nessie raninto her house,heart pounding.“Nessie,” her motherexclaimed. “What’swrong?”

As Nessie was explaining whathad happened, her mother asked, “What aboutGina? You always walk with her.”

“Gina has the flu,” Nessie said, still panting.

“This is terrible,” Mother said. “I’m callingthe police.”

Soon two police officers arrived andbegan asking questions. “What’s your

name, young lady?” one of theofficers began.

“Vanessa Jean Caldin,”Nessie replied. “But

everybody calls meNessie.”

The officers askedNessie a lot ofquestions, but shehad only a fewanswers. “The carwas blue and theman was wearingdark glasses anda red-and-whitecap,” sheremembered.

“Did you getthe car’s licensenumber?” one of

the officers asked.“I was running

too fast even tothink about that,”

Nessie replied.The next day Nessie’s

mother walked her toschool. “I’ll be here when

school gets out,” she toldNessie. “Wait for me.”

Nessie’s mother walked with Nessieto school and home from school the nextweek. Gina finally got over the flu and startedwalking with Nessie again, but Nessie’s mother

Fill in the blanks:

N _ V _ R T A _ K

T _ S T _ A _ G E _ S

Finish this poem (or better yet,

write one of your own!):

I like candy ’cause it’s sweet,

But I only eat it as a treat.

If a stranger says, “It’s free, man!”

Run away as fast __ __ __.

Answers on page 13.

Jaso

n Da

Quin

o

Nessie and the Blue Car by Alan Cliburn

The Cousteau research ship Alcyone isanchored just off Dangerous Reef in Australia.I’m at the stern tying a rotting mackerel to ayellow balloon when Capkin, our youngestdiver, arrives along with the sunrise.

“Why are you tying that decaying fish to aballoon?” he asks. “Making a party favor forsomeone?”

“It’s an experiment,” I say with a grin.“Want to help?”

“Sure, if I don’t have to touch your stinkyfish.” Capkin is the most enthusiastic person Iknow, which is why he seems to have morefun than anyone else in the crew.

“I want to re-create the poster they paintedfor the movie Jaws with a real shark,” Iexplain.

Capkin threads a rope over the crane’spulley and lowers the fish onto the water. Theballoon will keep the fish on the surface.When a shark lunges for the fish, Capkin willpull it straight up into the air. In order to getthe fish the shark is going to have to leap outof the water for it.

“Where will you stand to take the picture?”asks Capkin.

“The swim step,” I answer, jumping downonto the tiny platform, which on a calm day is

Winner / September 2002 5

about eight inches above the water.“This should be interesting,” Capkin responds, trying to

keep a straight face. “What happens if the shark lands on theswim step?”

“I imagine I’ll get off it rather rapidly,” I respond, beginningto wonder if this is such a bright idea.

A great white shark soon arrives on the scene. It is Amy, the17-foot-long shark with a serious attitude problem. She lungesfor the dead fish lying on top of the water, and is surprisedwhen it flies straight up out of the water. The astonished sharktries to pursue, but falls back into the water. Capkin lowers thefish and makes it wiggle invitingly.

Enraged now, Amy circles the floating balloon with itsdancing fish baggage. Then she reverses direction and rapidlyswims straight down in the water. “Uh-oh,” I caution Capkin, “Ithink this might be it. She’s going deep.”

Seconds later I see the shark torpedoing upward like aballistic missile. As Capkin jerks the fish upward, 3,000pounds of shark explode from the water, its massive mouthwide open and giant teeth flashing in the sunlight. Amy’s tailmoves rapidly, propelling her out of the now-swirling water. Ishoot a full-frame picture of the fierce predator from onlythree feet away.

Uh-oh, I think to myself. The shark, still in the air, looks mydirection as she slams back into the water right next to the tinyplatform I’m standing on. The shark’s belly-whomper back intothe ocean covers me from head to toe with freezing salt water.For a moment I’m completely stunned, which sends Capkininto a fit of laughter. “More adventure than you bargained for?”he quips.

We all want some adventure and challenges in our lives, yetfew of us will take the time and effort to do something about it.Challenge and adventure require a healthy body and an activemind. Our world is full of wonder, mystery, and potentialadventure. Reach out and do something—discover your dreams.

My adventure with Amy wouldn’t have happened had I notbeen actively looking for a new way to shoot dramatic picturesof great white sharks. I could have just sat on the stern of theAlcyone and done nothing . . . and, of course, nothing wouldhave been my reward.

Boredom is self-inflicted. Active minds know that tobacco,alcohol, and other drugs, are stupid choices that steal thewonder of life. I prefer to get High on Adventure, which happensto be the title of my illustrated series of books for youth.Check it out at www.drugsbite.com, where you can also seethe actual picture of Amy’s leap.

1. Amy is known to the Cousteau

divers as a shark with an _____

__________.

2. To get the fish, the shark is going

to have to ________

_______ _____.

3. The shark’s _______-

________ splashes me head

to toe with freezing salt water.

4. ____________ and

______________

require a healthy body and an active

mind.

5. ______________

is self-inflicted.

www.winnermagazine.org4

1. What is the name of the reef in

Australia where this adventure

occurred?

2. How far away was Steve when he

took the picture of the shark?

3. What would have been Steve’s reward

if he had chosen to do nothing?

4. What steals the wonder of life?

WINNER (Volume 45, Number 1) (ISSN 0043-

5937) (USPS 625-700) is published monthly (except

June, July, and August) by The Health Connection

/ 55 West Oak Ridge Drive / Hagerstown, MD

21740 for $18.25 a year; add $4.90 for addresses

outside USA. Periodicals postage paid at

Hagerstown, Maryland. POSTMASTER: Send changes

of address to WINNER / P.O. Box 859 / Hagerstown,

MD 21741.

Get

ty Im

ages

My SHARK Adventureby Steve Arrington

The Cousteau research ship Alcyone isanchored just off Dangerous Reef in Australia.I’m at the stern tying a rotting mackerel to ayellow balloon when Capkin, our youngestdiver, arrives along with the sunrise.

“Why are you tying that decaying fish to aballoon?” he asks. “Making a party favor forsomeone?”

“It’s an experiment,” I say with a grin.“Want to help?”

“Sure, if I don’t have to touch your stinkyfish.” Capkin is the most enthusiastic person Iknow, which is why he seems to have morefun than anyone else in the crew.

“I want to re-create the poster they paintedfor the movie Jaws with a real shark,” Iexplain.

Capkin threads a rope over the crane’spulley and lowers the fish onto the water. Theballoon will keep the fish on the surface.When a shark lunges for the fish, Capkin willpull it straight up into the air. In order to getthe fish the shark is going to have to leap outof the water for it.

“Where will you stand to take the picture?”asks Capkin.

“The swim step,” I answer, jumping downonto the tiny platform, which on a calm day is

Winner / September 2002 5

about eight inches above the water.“This should be interesting,” Capkin responds, trying to

keep a straight face. “What happens if the shark lands on theswim step?”

“I imagine I’ll get off it rather rapidly,” I respond, beginningto wonder if this is such a bright idea.

A great white shark soon arrives on the scene. It is Amy, the17-foot-long shark with a serious attitude problem. She lungesfor the dead fish lying on top of the water, and is surprisedwhen it flies straight up out of the water. The astonished sharktries to pursue, but falls back into the water. Capkin lowers thefish and makes it wiggle invitingly.

Enraged now, Amy circles the floating balloon with itsdancing fish baggage. Then she reverses direction and rapidlyswims straight down in the water. “Uh-oh,” I caution Capkin, “Ithink this might be it. She’s going deep.”

Seconds later I see the shark torpedoing upward like aballistic missile. As Capkin jerks the fish upward, 3,000pounds of shark explode from the water, its massive mouthwide open and giant teeth flashing in the sunlight. Amy’s tailmoves rapidly, propelling her out of the now-swirling water. Ishoot a full-frame picture of the fierce predator from onlythree feet away.

Uh-oh, I think to myself. The shark, still in the air, looks mydirection as she slams back into the water right next to the tinyplatform I’m standing on. The shark’s belly-whomper back intothe ocean covers me from head to toe with freezing salt water.For a moment I’m completely stunned, which sends Capkininto a fit of laughter. “More adventure than you bargained for?”he quips.

We all want some adventure and challenges in our lives, yetfew of us will take the time and effort to do something about it.Challenge and adventure require a healthy body and an activemind. Our world is full of wonder, mystery, and potentialadventure. Reach out and do something—discover your dreams.

My adventure with Amy wouldn’t have happened had I notbeen actively looking for a new way to shoot dramatic picturesof great white sharks. I could have just sat on the stern of theAlcyone and done nothing . . . and, of course, nothing wouldhave been my reward.

Boredom is self-inflicted. Active minds know that tobacco,alcohol, and other drugs, are stupid choices that steal thewonder of life. I prefer to get High on Adventure, which happensto be the title of my illustrated series of books for youth.Check it out at www.drugsbite.com, where you can also seethe actual picture of Amy’s leap.

1. Amy is known to the Cousteau

divers as a shark with an _____

__________.

2. To get the fish, the shark is going

to have to ________

_______ _____.

3. The shark’s _______-

________ splashes me head

to toe with freezing salt water.

4. ____________ and

______________

require a healthy body and an active

mind.

5. ______________

is self-inflicted.

www.winnermagazine.org4

1. What is the name of the reef in

Australia where this adventure

occurred?

2. How far away was Steve when he

took the picture of the shark?

3. What would have been Steve’s reward

if he had chosen to do nothing?

4. What steals the wonder of life?

WINNER (Volume 45, Number 1) (ISSN 0043-

5937) (USPS 625-700) is published monthly (except

June, July, and August) by The Health Connection

/ 55 West Oak Ridge Drive / Hagerstown, MD

21740 for $18.25 a year; add $4.90 for addresses

outside USA. Periodicals postage paid at

Hagerstown, Maryland. POSTMASTER: Send changes

of address to WINNER / P.O. Box 859 / Hagerstown,

MD 21741.

Get

ty Im

ages

My SHARK Adventureby Steve Arrington

Tamika sat motionless in front of the TVon the kitchen counter. Her plate of food satthere untouched. “What happened?” her momasked, hurrying into the kitchen to grab somebreakfast. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”Mama commented, noting Tamika’s glazedstare.

“I can’t believe it,” Tamika said, as shestarted to sob. “Delvin’s dead.” Between gasps,she added, “They said on the news that somegang members shot him. It’s not fair, Mama!Delvin was only 12 years old! And he was myfriend!”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe iteither,” Mama said, putting her arms aroundTamika and hugging her tight. “This ishorrible! We’ve got to do something about thisgang problem. I wish there was a way to fightback!” Mama resolved.

“Let’s just move a million miles away fromhere. I don’t want to stay here anymore!”Tamika wailed.

“I know how you feel, honey. I’d like tomove too. But it just isn’t possible for us tomove right now. Somehow we’ve got to stickit out and try to do something about the awfulgang problem in this neighborhood,” Mamaconcluded.

“Hey, Mama, I have an idea,” Tamika sug-gested. “What if the kids in my school starteda gang in Delvin’s honor?”

“Huh? You want to start more problems?”Mama asked, puzzled.

“No, Mama, I mean a good gang. Youknow, a gang of kids that goes around doingstuff to help our neighborhood, not hurt it,”Tamika continued.

“Now you’re talking,” Mama responded

Winner / September 2002 7

Get together with some

friends, and with the help of

some adults, plan a Community

Peace Day. Have the event in a

local park and invite musicians,

entertainers, community leaders,

teachers, neighborhood residents,

law enforcement officers, local

businesspeople, and others to help

with the day’s events.

Invite young people to make

presentations (poems, speeches,

drama, etc.) about choosing a

violence-free lifestyle. Have

plenty of fun activities planned,

serve refreshments, and make the

event enjoyable and memorable

for everyone.

www.winnermagazine.org6

1. Is gang violence a problem in

your community? If not, could it

ever be a problem in the future?

What can you do in your school

and community to help prevent

violent gangs?

2. What do you think causes kids

to join a gang? How could a

"good-deeders" club like the one

started in the story help keep

kids from joining a violent gang?

with a look of hope. “Maybe we could even take it a stepfurther. I think I could get some of the parents in theneighborhood to offer their support. We could help kids findpositive stuff to do and help provide transportation. We couldplan a community rally to kick off the event and maybe eventry to work with the gang leaders to get them to cooperate.”The ideas seemed to come faster than Mama could expressthem.

Just then the phone rang. It was LaShanda, Mama’s bestfriend. “Val,” LaShanda blurted out before even saying hello,“did you hear the news?"

“Yeah, we were just talking about it,” Mama responded.“We’re still in shock.”

“Well, I’ve just talked to Delvin’s mom. She says she doesn’twant any flowers at the funeral. Instead, she wants to start atrust fund to help stop the violence in our neighborhood. Soinstead of flowers she’s asking that everyone give money,”LaShanda told Tamika’s mom.

“You won’t believe this,” Mama responded. “We just cameup with an idea to help stop gang violence. It’s getting kids—gang members included—involved in positive communityactivities. Sounds like we’re all thinking alike!” Mama wasexcited now.

* * *A few days after Delvin’s funeral, LaShanda and Tamika’s

mom, Val, began making plans for a community meeting.Tamika also invited her classmates to come. A spirit ofexcitement filled the air, and everyone seemed ready tocooperate. When the day of the meeting finally arrived,everything went well.

That was the beginning of a new community. Tamika’sclassmates started a club called Kids Against Gang Violence. Tobe a member, kids had to pledge to be drug-free and never toget involved in violent activities. In addition, members pledgedto do five to 10 hours a week of community service. Beforelong, the neighborhood had a fresh, new look. Flowers wereplanted, trash was picked up, and graffiti disappeared from thewalls.

But the most amazing change that took place was not in theneighborhood itself. The real change was with the gangmembers. Talks with leaders of the two rival gangs convincedthem that violence just wasn’t the way to go. Now, instead oflooking for trouble, former gang members scout the neighbor-hood, looking for ways to be of service. A neighborhood thatwas once filled with violence is now a center of peace.

by Patricia Humphrey

Winning the WarAgainst Gangs

Jim

Elst

on

Tamika sat motionless in front of the TVon the kitchen counter. Her plate of food satthere untouched. “What happened?” her momasked, hurrying into the kitchen to grab somebreakfast. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”Mama commented, noting Tamika’s glazedstare.

“I can’t believe it,” Tamika said, as shestarted to sob. “Delvin’s dead.” Between gasps,she added, “They said on the news that somegang members shot him. It’s not fair, Mama!Delvin was only 12 years old! And he was myfriend!”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe iteither,” Mama said, putting her arms aroundTamika and hugging her tight. “This ishorrible! We’ve got to do something about thisgang problem. I wish there was a way to fightback!” Mama resolved.

“Let’s just move a million miles away fromhere. I don’t want to stay here anymore!”Tamika wailed.

“I know how you feel, honey. I’d like tomove too. But it just isn’t possible for us tomove right now. Somehow we’ve got to stickit out and try to do something about the awfulgang problem in this neighborhood,” Mamaconcluded.

“Hey, Mama, I have an idea,” Tamika sug-gested. “What if the kids in my school starteda gang in Delvin’s honor?”

“Huh? You want to start more problems?”Mama asked, puzzled.

“No, Mama, I mean a good gang. Youknow, a gang of kids that goes around doingstuff to help our neighborhood, not hurt it,”Tamika continued.

“Now you’re talking,” Mama responded

Winner / September 2002 7

Get together with some

friends, and with the help of

some adults, plan a Community

Peace Day. Have the event in a

local park and invite musicians,

entertainers, community leaders,

teachers, neighborhood residents,

law enforcement officers, local

businesspeople, and others to help

with the day’s events.

Invite young people to make

presentations (poems, speeches,

drama, etc.) about choosing a

violence-free lifestyle. Have

plenty of fun activities planned,

serve refreshments, and make the

event enjoyable and memorable

for everyone.

www.winnermagazine.org6

1. Is gang violence a problem in

your community? If not, could it

ever be a problem in the future?

What can you do in your school

and community to help prevent

violent gangs?

2. What do you think causes kids

to join a gang? How could a

"good-deeders" club like the one

started in the story help keep

kids from joining a violent gang?

with a look of hope. “Maybe we could even take it a stepfurther. I think I could get some of the parents in theneighborhood to offer their support. We could help kids findpositive stuff to do and help provide transportation. We couldplan a community rally to kick off the event and maybe eventry to work with the gang leaders to get them to cooperate.”The ideas seemed to come faster than Mama could expressthem.

Just then the phone rang. It was LaShanda, Mama’s bestfriend. “Val,” LaShanda blurted out before even saying hello,“did you hear the news?"

“Yeah, we were just talking about it,” Mama responded.“We’re still in shock.”

“Well, I’ve just talked to Delvin’s mom. She says she doesn’twant any flowers at the funeral. Instead, she wants to start atrust fund to help stop the violence in our neighborhood. Soinstead of flowers she’s asking that everyone give money,”LaShanda told Tamika’s mom.

“You won’t believe this,” Mama responded. “We just cameup with an idea to help stop gang violence. It’s getting kids—gang members included—involved in positive communityactivities. Sounds like we’re all thinking alike!” Mama wasexcited now.

* * *A few days after Delvin’s funeral, LaShanda and Tamika’s

mom, Val, began making plans for a community meeting.Tamika also invited her classmates to come. A spirit ofexcitement filled the air, and everyone seemed ready tocooperate. When the day of the meeting finally arrived,everything went well.

That was the beginning of a new community. Tamika’sclassmates started a club called Kids Against Gang Violence. Tobe a member, kids had to pledge to be drug-free and never toget involved in violent activities. In addition, members pledgedto do five to 10 hours a week of community service. Beforelong, the neighborhood had a fresh, new look. Flowers wereplanted, trash was picked up, and graffiti disappeared from thewalls.

But the most amazing change that took place was not in theneighborhood itself. The real change was with the gangmembers. Talks with leaders of the two rival gangs convincedthem that violence just wasn’t the way to go. Now, instead oflooking for trouble, former gang members scout the neighbor-hood, looking for ways to be of service. A neighborhood thatwas once filled with violence is now a center of peace.

by Patricia Humphrey

Winning the WarAgainst Gangs

Jim

Elst

on

“Class, please welcome Officer Washington.”Mrs. Berrelli gestured toward the six-foot-five-inch police officer standing near the classroomdoor. “Officer Washington sponsors ourtown’s gang prevention program—TeensAgainst Gang Violence.”

As Officer Washington began his speech,Jeremy Simms rolled his eyes and groaned,thinking, Who cares? A small town like Springborodoesn’t have violent street gangs like Chicago or Los

Angeles. True, the Lobos did run off Bucky and hisbunch when they tried to “muscle in” on Loboterritory. He chuckled to himself. But a few bloodynoses and bruised ribs ended that “rumble.”

The Lobos, as he and the guys called them-selves, hung out on the sidewalk in front ofPeppy’s Pizza Parlor after school. They worerolled-up yellow bandannas on their rightarms. They talked tough and told bad jokes—the kind you wouldn’t tell around adults. Some

of the older Lobos liked to whistle at girls heading for the libraryafter school. But mostly they just “hung out.” Lately, however,the police had been harassing them, making them “move on.”This made the Lobos angry, especially Jeremy. After all, didn’tthe cops have better things to do than “bug” kids? Didn’t theyhave genuine criminals to chase?

“Why do young people join gangs?” the officer asked. “Someare forced to. Some join for the money, to make much-neededcash for the family by acting as a lookout for drug or weaponsdeals.”

Jeremy smirked. Sounds good to me.“Some join gangs to copy older brothers or sisters. Some join

because they feel they need to “belong,” or because they want torebel against authority. When things are rough at home, a gangsupplies rules and order to a kid’s life. Mostly our research hasshown us that young people who join gangs have a lower self-esteem and are less in control of their lives than other youth ofthe same age.”

This is boring, Jeremy thought. It’s not like the Lobos are doing ordealing drugs, except for the time Ralph passed around a pack ofcigarettes he stole from his mom’s stash.

“Gangs are easier to get into than to get out of. That’s thesecond reason Teens Against Gang Violence was formed—tohelp gang members break free.” Officer Washington glanced atthe yellow bandanna on Jeremy’s arm. “Do you have a question,young man?”

“Naw.” Jeremy scowled and slunk further down in his seat.“I do,” Kevin, Jeremy’s best friend, asked, raising his hand.

“What’s the difference between a bunch of ‘buds’ hanging outtogether and being a member of a street gang?”

“Good question. What is the difference between good budsand bad buds? Do you have to sell drugs or have knife fights tobe considered part of a street gang? Help me out, guys. Is there adifference? What do you think?”

Amy Patterson’s hand flew into the air. “A good frienddoesn’t force you to do something you know is wrong.”

“Right. Anything else?”“Gangs bully others.” Pelé, the shortest member of the class,

volunteered. “What about attitude?” Paul Andrews added. “Gang members

have an attitude. They think they’re better than everyone else.”“Good job. I think you’re on to something here.” Officer

Washington pounded his fist on the teacher’s desk. “Give memore.”

1. What program did the

officer sponsor?

2. Why was the officer harassing

Jeremy’s gang?

3. Why do you think the police

were “bugging” the kids?

4. Why do you think young

people join gangs?

How about you, the reader?What is the line between agroup of friends just hangingout and the beginnings of adangerous street gang? Do youknow? When does a group ofgood “buds” become a gang ofbad “buds”? What makes themdifferent?

On a separate sheet of paper,make a column with Good Buds atthe top and then one with BadBuds. List differences betweenthe two that show they’re notalike.

Eating pizza together mightgo under both. Special nicknamesmight as well. Illegal drug usewould not.

Winner / September 2002 9www.winnermagazine.org8

Rob

Colli

net

“Class, please welcome Officer Washington.”Mrs. Berrelli gestured toward the six-foot-five-inch police officer standing near the classroomdoor. “Officer Washington sponsors ourtown’s gang prevention program—TeensAgainst Gang Violence.”

As Officer Washington began his speech,Jeremy Simms rolled his eyes and groaned,thinking, Who cares? A small town like Springborodoesn’t have violent street gangs like Chicago or Los

Angeles. True, the Lobos did run off Bucky and hisbunch when they tried to “muscle in” on Loboterritory. He chuckled to himself. But a few bloodynoses and bruised ribs ended that “rumble.”

The Lobos, as he and the guys called them-selves, hung out on the sidewalk in front ofPeppy’s Pizza Parlor after school. They worerolled-up yellow bandannas on their rightarms. They talked tough and told bad jokes—the kind you wouldn’t tell around adults. Some

of the older Lobos liked to whistle at girls heading for the libraryafter school. But mostly they just “hung out.” Lately, however,the police had been harassing them, making them “move on.”This made the Lobos angry, especially Jeremy. After all, didn’tthe cops have better things to do than “bug” kids? Didn’t theyhave genuine criminals to chase?

“Why do young people join gangs?” the officer asked. “Someare forced to. Some join for the money, to make much-neededcash for the family by acting as a lookout for drug or weaponsdeals.”

Jeremy smirked. Sounds good to me.“Some join gangs to copy older brothers or sisters. Some join

because they feel they need to “belong,” or because they want torebel against authority. When things are rough at home, a gangsupplies rules and order to a kid’s life. Mostly our research hasshown us that young people who join gangs have a lower self-esteem and are less in control of their lives than other youth ofthe same age.”

This is boring, Jeremy thought. It’s not like the Lobos are doing ordealing drugs, except for the time Ralph passed around a pack ofcigarettes he stole from his mom’s stash.

“Gangs are easier to get into than to get out of. That’s thesecond reason Teens Against Gang Violence was formed—tohelp gang members break free.” Officer Washington glanced atthe yellow bandanna on Jeremy’s arm. “Do you have a question,young man?”

“Naw.” Jeremy scowled and slunk further down in his seat.“I do,” Kevin, Jeremy’s best friend, asked, raising his hand.

“What’s the difference between a bunch of ‘buds’ hanging outtogether and being a member of a street gang?”

“Good question. What is the difference between good budsand bad buds? Do you have to sell drugs or have knife fights tobe considered part of a street gang? Help me out, guys. Is there adifference? What do you think?”

Amy Patterson’s hand flew into the air. “A good frienddoesn’t force you to do something you know is wrong.”

“Right. Anything else?”“Gangs bully others.” Pelé, the shortest member of the class,

volunteered. “What about attitude?” Paul Andrews added. “Gang members

have an attitude. They think they’re better than everyone else.”“Good job. I think you’re on to something here.” Officer

Washington pounded his fist on the teacher’s desk. “Give memore.”

1. What program did the

officer sponsor?

2. Why was the officer harassing

Jeremy’s gang?

3. Why do you think the police

were “bugging” the kids?

4. Why do you think young

people join gangs?

How about you, the reader?What is the line between agroup of friends just hangingout and the beginnings of adangerous street gang? Do youknow? When does a group ofgood “buds” become a gang ofbad “buds”? What makes themdifferent?

On a separate sheet of paper,make a column with Good Buds atthe top and then one with BadBuds. List differences betweenthe two that show they’re notalike.

Eating pizza together mightgo under both. Special nicknamesmight as well. Illegal drug usewould not.

Winner / September 2002 9www.winnermagazine.org8

Rob

Colli

net

Winner / September 2002 11

1. What prompted Stephanie

to start her Vest-A-Dog

program?

2. What does it mean to be

determined?

3. In what ways is Stephanie

a good role model for kids?

4. How do police dogs help

us?

www.winnermagazine.org10

Reading about tragedy can be disheartening.Just ask Stephanie Taylor. When Stephanie was11, she read about Solo, a police dog in NewJersey who had charged into a building lookingfor an armed suspect. While bravely doing hisjob, Solo was shot and killed.

“I felt so sad when I read about Solo,”Stephanie said. “Police dogs risk their lives everyday to protect us. I thought we should be doingsomething to protect them. I started thinkingabout what I could do to help.” (It is believedthat had Solo been wearing a bulletproof vestlike his human partners, he would probably bealive today.)

Stephanie thought about her owncommunity. The Oceanside Police Departmenthad six K-9 cops of their own. When Stephanielearned that one bulletprooof vest cost approx-imately $475, she, with the help of her mother,Kathy Ryan, put donation boxes and flyers in

nearby veterinarians’ offices, pet supply stores, and other animal-friendly businesses. She also contacted the local newspaper to tellthem about her deserving project.

“At the beginning I wasn’t sure if I could vest even one dog,but I didn’t want to give up until I had done it. I ended up raisingenough money to vest all six dogs in the K-9 Oceanside unit. Andwhat’s amazing is that it took only three weeks to do it!”Stephanie’s voice brims with both excitement and humility.

Police dogs help capture suspected criminals, search formissing people, uncover bombs, and sniff out drugs. “They keepsociety safe, and they don’t ask for anything in return,” saysStephanie.

One of the jobs of a police dog is to keep drugs off the streetsand out of kids’ lives. When asked about her view on drugs,Stephanie said, “I am totally against smoking and drugs. There arealways alternatives.” Her advice is to do something you feelpassionately about. In addition to continuing her “Vest-a-Dog”program, she volunteers to walk neighborhood dogs, and to thinkabout her future career as a veterinarian. Bowling on a youth-adult bowling team also fills her time with healthy fun.

Stephanie is a 12-year-old seventh grader with blond hair anda sweet smile. She lives with her mom, her miniature dachshund,Ginger, and a brown tabby cat named Tiger. She sees her dadoften, as well as her 27-year-old brother. She has several hobbiesthat include riding her scooter, hanging out with friends, andreading.

If you ask Stephanie how she got started on her mission, she’lltell you, “I’m just an ordinary kid who wanted to help animals.”It’s nice to see that being ordinary can turn into extraordinarywhen compassion, determination, and perseverance are practiced.

Stephanie began with a hope for the future. Then shedesigned and executed a plan, not only reaching her goal, butexceeding it. To date, the Vest-A-Dog program has vested morethan 200 dogs. Exciting spin-offs are the many programs thatothers have started as a result of corresponding with Stephanie.“Kids write and e-mail me all the time to ask how they can start asimilar program in their community. It’s a great project for aschool or scouting troop,” she says.

As a result of Stephanie’s hope for the future, nearly 1,000dogs are now vested nationwide. Stephanie’s dream continuesevery time another police dog enters a dangerous situationwith ears perked, eyes focused, and a body protected in abulletproof vest.

If you’re interested in learning more about Stephanie’s Vest-A-Dog program, check out her Web site at www.dogvest.com; oryou can e-mail her at dogvest@n2.net.

Perhaps someone who is sickor on vacation or busy at workcould use your help. Here aresome ways to help people andanimals in your own neigh-borhood.

Create flyers with your nameand phone number and then listways you can help, such as:• volunteer to feed pets• walk dogs• make sure an outdoor animal

always has fresh waterPass out your flyers to friends

and neighbors that you know.

A Dogged

Protectorby Victoria A. Lorrekovich

Winner / September 2002 11

1. What prompted Stephanie

to start her Vest-A-Dog

program?

2. What does it mean to be

determined?

3. In what ways is Stephanie

a good role model for kids?

4. How do police dogs help

us?

www.winnermagazine.org10

Reading about tragedy can be disheartening.Just ask Stephanie Taylor. When Stephanie was11, she read about Solo, a police dog in NewJersey who had charged into a building lookingfor an armed suspect. While bravely doing hisjob, Solo was shot and killed.

“I felt so sad when I read about Solo,”Stephanie said. “Police dogs risk their lives everyday to protect us. I thought we should be doingsomething to protect them. I started thinkingabout what I could do to help.” (It is believedthat had Solo been wearing a bulletproof vestlike his human partners, he would probably bealive today.)

Stephanie thought about her owncommunity. The Oceanside Police Departmenthad six K-9 cops of their own. When Stephanielearned that one bulletprooof vest cost approx-imately $475, she, with the help of her mother,Kathy Ryan, put donation boxes and flyers in

nearby veterinarians’ offices, pet supply stores, and other animal-friendly businesses. She also contacted the local newspaper to tellthem about her deserving project.

“At the beginning I wasn’t sure if I could vest even one dog,but I didn’t want to give up until I had done it. I ended up raisingenough money to vest all six dogs in the K-9 Oceanside unit. Andwhat’s amazing is that it took only three weeks to do it!”Stephanie’s voice brims with both excitement and humility.

Police dogs help capture suspected criminals, search formissing people, uncover bombs, and sniff out drugs. “They keepsociety safe, and they don’t ask for anything in return,” saysStephanie.

One of the jobs of a police dog is to keep drugs off the streetsand out of kids’ lives. When asked about her view on drugs,Stephanie said, “I am totally against smoking and drugs. There arealways alternatives.” Her advice is to do something you feelpassionately about. In addition to continuing her “Vest-a-Dog”program, she volunteers to walk neighborhood dogs, and to thinkabout her future career as a veterinarian. Bowling on a youth-adult bowling team also fills her time with healthy fun.

Stephanie is a 12-year-old seventh grader with blond hair anda sweet smile. She lives with her mom, her miniature dachshund,Ginger, and a brown tabby cat named Tiger. She sees her dadoften, as well as her 27-year-old brother. She has several hobbiesthat include riding her scooter, hanging out with friends, andreading.

If you ask Stephanie how she got started on her mission, she’lltell you, “I’m just an ordinary kid who wanted to help animals.”It’s nice to see that being ordinary can turn into extraordinarywhen compassion, determination, and perseverance are practiced.

Stephanie began with a hope for the future. Then shedesigned and executed a plan, not only reaching her goal, butexceeding it. To date, the Vest-A-Dog program has vested morethan 200 dogs. Exciting spin-offs are the many programs thatothers have started as a result of corresponding with Stephanie.“Kids write and e-mail me all the time to ask how they can start asimilar program in their community. It’s a great project for aschool or scouting troop,” she says.

As a result of Stephanie’s hope for the future, nearly 1,000dogs are now vested nationwide. Stephanie’s dream continuesevery time another police dog enters a dangerous situationwith ears perked, eyes focused, and a body protected in abulletproof vest.

If you’re interested in learning more about Stephanie’s Vest-A-Dog program, check out her Web site at www.dogvest.com; oryou can e-mail her at dogvest@n2.net.

Perhaps someone who is sickor on vacation or busy at workcould use your help. Here aresome ways to help people andanimals in your own neigh-borhood.

Create flyers with your nameand phone number and then listways you can help, such as:• volunteer to feed pets• walk dogs• make sure an outdoor animal

always has fresh waterPass out your flyers to friends

and neighbors that you know.

A Dogged

Protectorby Victoria A. Lorrekovich

Winner / September 2002 13

Puzzle Answers:

Page 3: Nessie and the Blue CarNever talk to strangers. Run away as fast as you can.Page 5: My Shark Adventure1. Attitude problem. 2. Leap for it. 3. Belly-whomper.4. Challenge and adventure. 5. Boredom.Page 12: Little by LittleDRUGS, drags, brags, brass, grass, glass, class, clams,crams, cramp, crimp, CRIME.Page 12: What Is a Friend?Choose your friends wisely.

SAYING NO TO DRUGS AND YES TO LIFE

Vol. 45, No. 1/September 2002

Editor Anita JacobsDesigner Doug BendallEditorial Secretary Tanya FaithVP Periodicals Larry Becker Assistant VP Periodicals Howard ScogginsPeriodical Sales Ron Clark

Consulting EditorsKaren Moran, B.S. Language ArtsAllan Handysides, M.D. MedicalGary B. Swanson, M.A. PreventionRandy Fishell, Editor Guide

WINNER / P.O. Box 859www.winnermagazine.orgHagerstown, MD 21741

Subscription rates for nine issuesyearly—September through May: in U.S.A.

$18.25; add $4.90 for addresses outsideU.S.A. Printed in U.S.A.

Note: Magazine pages are not reproducible without prior permission.Pages in the accompanying teaching guide are reproducible without

permission from the editorial office of Winner magazine.

ORDER WINNER TODAY!

Please send WINNER for one full year. (That’s 9 brand-new

issues during the school year—September through May.)

Winner subscription $18.25 each.

Winnerwith Teaching Guide 4-6 $27.20 each.

Add $4.90 for addresses outside U.S.A.

(Classroom rates available—please inquire.)

Name

Address

City

State Zip

Write to WINNER:P.O. Box 859 / Hagerstown, MD 21741. In U.S.A. (except Alaska) and

Canada call toll-free 1-800-548-8700. From Alaska call (301) 393-3271.

Payment coming from outside U.S.A. (including Canada) must be in U.S. dollars

by bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank or by international postal money order.

Moving? Please call or write us with your new addressat least six weeks in advance.

Hi, my name isJordan. I am 11 years oldand in the fourth grade.Recently my teachertaught us about the

importance of taking care of our bodies. That iswhen I decided to make a change in my eatinghabits and become a vegan.

I am the only one in my family who is a vegan,and it is not always easy. [A vegan does not eatmeat, eggs, or dairy products.] I like to eat goodfood, but sometimes I do get tempted to eat somenot-so-healthy foods, such as junk foods, and thenI don’t feel so good.

It hasn’t been easy, because sometimes kidsmake fun of me. When my family and I go out to eatit’s often hard to find something I can eat. It can be achallenge for my mom to cook special things for meand cook for the family, too.

I think it is important that we keep our bodiesclean and healthy. When you take good care ofyour body you can think clearer, which can helpyou get smarter. Also, you don’t get sick as often.You have only one chance to take care of yourbody, so keep it healthy!

Jordan Marin, 11Alvarado, Texas

How I Keep

Healthy

W hat I s a Fr iend?Julie wants to be friends with Lisa, one

of the popular girls in school who is “cool.”When Julie’s invited to a party at Lisa’shouse, she’s thrilled. It’s when Lisa’sbrother brings beer to the party and thingsget out of control that Julie remembers thegood times she had with her old friends.

Start at the arrow. By writing downevery other letter, you can read a secretmessage.

C A H B O C O E S F E G Y H O I U J R K F L R

M I N E P N Q D R S O W S I F S U E V L Z Y.

_____________ ____________

_____________ ___________.

Little by Little“Hey, guess what!” Kurt said, panting as he plopped his school-

books onto the kitchen table. “Ray’s older brother was picked uptoday by the police.”

Mom turned from the sink where she was cleaning vegetables forsupper. “Ever since Brent started hanging around the kids in hisneighborhood who do drugs, he’s been in some kind of trouble,”Mother said, shaking her head. “It seems that people who getinvolved in drugs are also involved with the law sooner or later,” she added.

“I think Brent was caught shoplifting,” Kurt explained.“He probably spends most of his money on drugs, so that’s made him need to steal things,” Mom

said, wiping her hands on the towel. “I never thought Brent was the type of person to get in the kindof trouble he has.”

“Yeah, me neither,” Kurt agreed. “I guess it just happens a little at a time, until before you know ityou’re doing things you’d never even thought about before.”

The road from drugs to crime is a pretty short one, but a lot of people take it because they don’trealize where it’s headed. You can change the word DRUGS to CRIME in 11 steps by changing justone letter at a time in the following puzzle. Read the clue and then fill in the blanks. Each wordshould have only one letter that’s different from the word above it. See how hard it is to tell thatyou’re really on your way to spelling CRIME—until it’s too late.

DRUGS__ __ __ __ __ 1. Pulls along behind

__ __ __ __ __ 2. Boasts; talks proudly

__ __ __ __ __ 3. A kind of metal

__ __ __ __ __ 4. What cows eat

__ __ __ __ __ 5. What you drink from

__ __ __ __ __ 6. A group of students takingthe same subject

__ __ __ __ __ 7. Shellfish with two shells

__ __ __ __ __ 8. Stuffs into; packs tightly

__ __ __ __ __ 9. Stomachache

__ __ __ __ __ 10. Wrinkle; make wavy

__ __ __ __ __ 11. What taking drugs often leads to

&FunGames

www.winnermagazine.org12

Winner / September 2002 13

Puzzle Answers:

Page 3: Nessie and the Blue CarNever talk to strangers. Run away as fast as you can.Page 5: My Shark Adventure1. Attitude problem. 2. Leap for it. 3. Belly-whomper.4. Challenge and adventure. 5. Boredom.Page 12: Little by LittleDRUGS, drags, brags, brass, grass, glass, class, clams,crams, cramp, crimp, CRIME.Page 12: What Is a Friend?Choose your friends wisely.

SAYING NO TO DRUGS AND YES TO LIFE

Vol. 45, No. 1/September 2002

Editor Anita JacobsDesigner Doug BendallEditorial Secretary Tanya FaithVP Periodicals Larry Becker Assistant VP Periodicals Howard ScogginsPeriodical Sales Ron Clark

Consulting EditorsKaren Moran, B.S. Language ArtsAllan Handysides, M.D. MedicalGary B. Swanson, M.A. PreventionRandy Fishell, Editor Guide

WINNER / P.O. Box 859www.winnermagazine.orgHagerstown, MD 21741

Subscription rates for nine issuesyearly—September through May: in U.S.A.

$18.25; add $4.90 for addresses outsideU.S.A. Printed in U.S.A.

Note: Magazine pages are not reproducible without prior permission.Pages in the accompanying teaching guide are reproducible without

permission from the editorial office of Winner magazine.

ORDER WINNER TODAY!

Please send WINNER for one full year. (That’s 9 brand-new

issues during the school year—September through May.)

Winner subscription $18.25 each.

Winnerwith Teaching Guide 4-6 $27.20 each.

Add $4.90 for addresses outside U.S.A.

(Classroom rates available—please inquire.)

Name

Address

City

State Zip

Write to WINNER:P.O. Box 859 / Hagerstown, MD 21741. In U.S.A. (except Alaska) and

Canada call toll-free 1-800-548-8700. From Alaska call (301) 393-3271.

Payment coming from outside U.S.A. (including Canada) must be in U.S. dollars

by bank draft drawn on a U.S. bank or by international postal money order.

Moving? Please call or write us with your new addressat least six weeks in advance.

Hi, my name isJordan. I am 11 years oldand in the fourth grade.Recently my teachertaught us about the

importance of taking care of our bodies. That iswhen I decided to make a change in my eatinghabits and become a vegan.

I am the only one in my family who is a vegan,and it is not always easy. [A vegan does not eatmeat, eggs, or dairy products.] I like to eat goodfood, but sometimes I do get tempted to eat somenot-so-healthy foods, such as junk foods, and thenI don’t feel so good.

It hasn’t been easy, because sometimes kidsmake fun of me. When my family and I go out to eatit’s often hard to find something I can eat. It can be achallenge for my mom to cook special things for meand cook for the family, too.

I think it is important that we keep our bodiesclean and healthy. When you take good care ofyour body you can think clearer, which can helpyou get smarter. Also, you don’t get sick as often.You have only one chance to take care of yourbody, so keep it healthy!

Jordan Marin, 11Alvarado, Texas

How I Keep

Healthy

W hat I s a Fr iend?Julie wants to be friends with Lisa, one

of the popular girls in school who is “cool.”When Julie’s invited to a party at Lisa’shouse, she’s thrilled. It’s when Lisa’sbrother brings beer to the party and thingsget out of control that Julie remembers thegood times she had with her old friends.

Start at the arrow. By writing downevery other letter, you can read a secretmessage.

C A H B O C O E S F E G Y H O I U J R K F L R

M I N E P N Q D R S O W S I F S U E V L Z Y.

_____________ ____________

_____________ ___________.

Little by Little“Hey, guess what!” Kurt said, panting as he plopped his school-

books onto the kitchen table. “Ray’s older brother was picked uptoday by the police.”

Mom turned from the sink where she was cleaning vegetables forsupper. “Ever since Brent started hanging around the kids in hisneighborhood who do drugs, he’s been in some kind of trouble,”Mother said, shaking her head. “It seems that people who getinvolved in drugs are also involved with the law sooner or later,” she added.

“I think Brent was caught shoplifting,” Kurt explained.“He probably spends most of his money on drugs, so that’s made him need to steal things,” Mom

said, wiping her hands on the towel. “I never thought Brent was the type of person to get in the kindof trouble he has.”

“Yeah, me neither,” Kurt agreed. “I guess it just happens a little at a time, until before you know ityou’re doing things you’d never even thought about before.”

The road from drugs to crime is a pretty short one, but a lot of people take it because they don’trealize where it’s headed. You can change the word DRUGS to CRIME in 11 steps by changing justone letter at a time in the following puzzle. Read the clue and then fill in the blanks. Each wordshould have only one letter that’s different from the word above it. See how hard it is to tell thatyou’re really on your way to spelling CRIME—until it’s too late.

DRUGS__ __ __ __ __ 1. Pulls along behind

__ __ __ __ __ 2. Boasts; talks proudly

__ __ __ __ __ 3. A kind of metal

__ __ __ __ __ 4. What cows eat

__ __ __ __ __ 5. What you drink from

__ __ __ __ __ 6. A group of students takingthe same subject

__ __ __ __ __ 7. Shellfish with two shells

__ __ __ __ __ 8. Stuffs into; packs tightly

__ __ __ __ __ 9. Stomachache

__ __ __ __ __ 10. Wrinkle; make wavy

__ __ __ __ __ 11. What taking drugs often leads to

&FunGames

www.winnermagazine.org12

Winner / September 2002 15www.winnermagazine.org14

CHOOSE GOODFRIENDS—

NOT GANGS.

BE A WINNER!

Howdy, Jeff, my good neighbor,

and you too, Dude!

Hi, Mr. Hanson. What are you

doing?

Cutting out

the old raspberry

brush.

This old cane

is dead. It won’t have any

more berries. I want to make

room for the new plants

that grow up from

the roots.

I see. That way the old dead stuff

won’t be in theway of the new

plants.

You know, people are a lot like

raspberries.

What do youmean?

Some kids feel they need to

join a gang tobelong . . . to be worth

something . . . to be safe.

But gang members often pressure each other

to use drugs, steal, and beat up other people. That’s like

the old dead raspberry canes, choking off the

healthy plants.

Yes. Good friends help

take care of us, justlike I help take care of the new raspberry

plants.

Mrs. Hanson was making some fresh

homemade bread. Let’sgo see if it’s ready. We can even have

some raspberry jelly on it.

Yummy! Looks like Dude is going

to beat us there!

We do best when we haveroom to make good

choices and surroundourselves with good friends.

But good friends build us up. They help ushave fun without hurtingourselves or other people.That’s like cutting out all

the bad stuff.

The Raspberry Secret

MICHAELJAMIN HEATHERNICHOLE LESLIE STEPHANIESTEPHENILLU

STRA

TION

: Ter

ry C

rews

Stor

ylin

e:Ke

vin

Wai

te

Winner / September 2002 15www.winnermagazine.org14

CHOOSE GOODFRIENDS—

NOT GANGS.

BE A WINNER!

Howdy, Jeff, my good neighbor,

and you too, Dude!

Hi, Mr. Hanson. What are you

doing?

Cutting out

the old raspberry

brush.

This old cane

is dead. It won’t have any

more berries. I want to make

room for the new plants

that grow up from

the roots.

I see. That way the old dead stuff

won’t be in theway of the new

plants.

You know, people are a lot like

raspberries.

What do youmean?

Some kids feel they need to

join a gang tobelong . . . to be worth

something . . . to be safe.

But gang members often pressure each other

to use drugs, steal, and beat up other people. That’s like

the old dead raspberry canes, choking off the

healthy plants.

Yes. Good friends help

take care of us, justlike I help take care of the new raspberry

plants.

Mrs. Hanson was making some fresh

homemade bread. Let’sgo see if it’s ready. We can even have

some raspberry jelly on it.

Yummy! Looks like Dude is going

to beat us there!

We do best when we haveroom to make good

choices and surroundourselves with good friends.

But good friends build us up. They help ushave fun without hurtingourselves or other people.That’s like cutting out all

the bad stuff.

The Raspberry Secret

MICHAELJAMIN HEATHERNICHOLE LESLIE STEPHANIESTEPHEN

ILLU

STRA

TION

: Ter

ry C

rews

Stor

ylin

e:Ke

vin

Wai

te

NewAdventure

Columnby Stephen Arrington,

ex-chief diver and

expedition leader for

the Cousteau

Society

www.winnermagazine.org

Go to theWINNERWeb site.

Click on links.

Click the

link to the

Drugs Bite

site.

Checkthisout!