FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Eagle Jet International Reaches 30,000 Kids by Sponsoring NCPRS’
Race Against Drugs Stay on Track Activity Book

Rick Gabor and Eagle Jet International are sponsoring the fifth edition of the Stay on Track Activity Book.  Stay on Track is a program of the National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions (NCPRS), which has a 20-year history in drug prevention programming.  This generous sponsorship will allow NCPRS to print 30,000 books to be distributed to children all across the country.

Rick Gabor and Eagle Jet International are long-time supporters of NCPRS and its programs, which also includes the RAD Racing Team (Race Against Drugs). Rick has been a direct donor and sponsor to NCPRS for over fifteen years. Eagle Jet International also sponsors two of NCPRS’ RAD Racing Team spokespersons, Amanda Ferguson and Keith Butler.

Since 1989, NCPRS has distributed 700,000 Stay on Track Activity Books targeted to children in kindergarten through second grade. The Stay on Track Activity Book features artwork from kids who participated in RAD at the Races Poster Contests held at racetracks across the country. The book contains exciting, educational, motorsports- themed activities that are designed to educate children in the areas of math, science, critical thinking, language arts, and social studies, while influencing them to live drug free and healthy lives. In the past, the Stay on Track Activity Book was available for free in the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information. Previous Stay on Track Activity Book sponsors include Proctor and Gamble Tide, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and Oh Boy! Oberto.

Rick Gabor gave the following statement:

"Eagle Jet International supports the NCPRS RAD program because the NCPRS team are so focused, coupled with unequalled motivation, drive and determination to develop cohesive solutions to the problem of illegal drugs tempting our nation's children.  Simply put, the NCPRS team using motorsports as a catalyst to attack this problem are the very best at what they do: saving young lives!”

Eagle Jet International trains commercial pilots for domestic and foreign airlines. Since the inception of the company in 1996, Eagle Jet International has become the largest Airline Pilot First Officer training company in the world.  Eagle Jet International -trained pilots fly for every U.S. regional airline, as well as several European and Sky Team Alliance airlines throughout the world. 

For more information on NCPRS and its programs: http://www.ncprs.org/

For more information on Eagle Jet International: http://www.eaglejet.net/

The Knowledge Effect coalition came together in 2007.  From the onset of meetings, it was clear that each agency at the table held a pivotal role in achieving success in the work at hand.  Kelly Mouisset, Program Manager and Coalition Chair, urged coalition members that we needed a curriculum to be taught in schools in order to educate our Lafayette youth on drugs, the consequences of drug use, and how to refuse drugs.  Major Donna Jones, representing the National Guard, described and suggested the Stay on Track program. The Knowledge Effect coalition, being funded by the Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive (SPF-SIG) grant, is required to use only evidence-based programs (EBPs) in implementation.  At the time, Stay on Track was on the NREPP list of pending EBPs and therefore the coalition was able to move forward and embrace Stay on Track.  This was the first of many moments of faith in the National Guard, trusting that the program they promoted would be a good choice for our coalition.  The trust has been able to grow infinitely as the process of the partnership has continued over the years. 

From the point of inception onward, the partnership between Major Jones and Kelly Mouisset began to deepen as they worked directly with one another to develop a plan of implementing the program in Lafayette middle schools.  From 2008-2010, the Stay on Track (SOT) program was implemented in two Lafayette schools, taught to 6th graders in their physical education classes.  These foundational years yield a total of approximately 250 students each year being taught SOT.  During those two years, Major Jones’s involvement in the coalition was instrumental to the success of laying the foundation for the SOT program in Lafayette.  Her tireless hours of organizational work and traveling to teach the program proved to be worthwhile as she developed the framework and stability of the program in Lafayette.

My role in this phenomenal partnership began in July 2009 as I was hired as the Project Coordinator by The Knowledge Effect and SPF-SIG grant.  I began to work closely with Major Jones on implementing that second year of SOT in two middle schools, learning from her the correct standards, procedures, and policies needed for a successful venture.  Through the process, we hosted multiple trainings in order to certify community members, agency employees, school resource officers, and Guardsmen in the SOT program.  Over the course of three years, approximately 35 individuals have been trained and certified to teach SOT. 

In the summer of 2010, the coalition staff was meeting with the Lafayette Chief of Police, Jim Craft.  He mentioned that he missed having a drug education program in the schools for his officers to teach to the students.  He enjoyed and supported the development of the positive relationship that it fostered between the police officer and student.  We mentioned to Chief Craft that we’d been piloting the SOT program in two schools through the work of volunteers teaching it, but that it could be transitioned into a school resource officer’s duties to teach the program.  Upon hearing about our initial success and the details of this fantastic EBP, he immediately supported the idea.  Thus began the work of expanding the SOT program in Lafayette to nearly all middle schools. 

Next, we approached the Lafayette Parish School Board, which also wholeheartedly agreed that this program was needed and affirmed that they would support the effort in whatever manner possible.  We decided that the program should continue to be taught through the P.E. classes.  Stay on Track was headed for a grand expansion in Lafayette!  In the fall of 2010, SOT would begin in nine public middle schools (three of the twelve public middle schools in Lafayette were already receiving a program).  This grew our number of students from 250 per year to nearly 5,300 per year! 

This expansion was a drastic increase and caused both The Knowledge Effect coalition and the National Guard to be on point and it challenged us to perform at top notch.  Fortunately, the stellar partnership with the National Guard assisted in any hiccups or miscommunications along the way.  Truly, this relationship has been a shining example of what to aim for between two partnering agencies in the ability to brainstorm, implement, and work out any issues seamlessly and selflessly.   Implementation for this school year is nearly complete, with only a handful of 8th grade (Level 3) classes left to teach.  It has been an exciting and thrilling experience to be a part of something that started out small and yet grew to be an effective and widespread program to youth.  As the proverb states, “Do not despise small beginnings.”  What is important is to lay the foundation and framework correctly so that the structure built on top of it can grow and develop without crumbling or weakness. 

The Knowledge Effect coalition came together in 2007.  From the onset of meetings, it was clear that each agency at the table held a pivotal role in achieving success in the work at hand.  Kelly Mouisset, Program Manager and Coalition Chair, urged coalition members that we needed a curriculum to be taught in schools in order to educate our Lafayette youth on drugs, the consequences of drug use, and how to refuse drugs.  Major Donna Jones, representing the National Guard, described and suggested the Stay on Track program. The Knowledge Effect coalition, being funded by the Strategic Prevention Framework-State Incentive (SPF-SIG) grant, is required to use only evidence-based programs (EBPs) in implementation.  At the time, Stay on Track was on the NREPP list of pending EBPs and therefore the coalition was able to move forward and embrace Stay on Track.  This was the first of many moments of faith in the National Guard, trusting that the program they promoted would be a good choice for our coalition.  The trust has been able to grow infinitely as the process of the partnership has continued over the years. 

From the point of inception onward, the partnership between Major Jones and Kelly Mouisset began to deepen as they worked directly with one another to develop a plan of implementing the program in Lafayette middle schools.  From 2008-2010, the Stay on Track (SOT) program was implemented in two Lafayette schools, taught to 6th graders in their physical education classes.  These foundational years yield a total of approximately 250 students each year being taught SOT.  During those two years, Major Jones’s involvement in the coalition was instrumental to the success of laying the foundation for the SOT program in Lafayette.  Her tireless hours of organizational work and traveling to teach the program proved to be worthwhile as she developed the framework and stability of the program in Lafayette.

My role in this phenomenal partnership began in July 2009 as I was hired as the Project Coordinator by The Knowledge Effect and SPF-SIG grant.  I began to work closely with Major Jones on implementing that second year of SOT in two middle schools, learning from her the correct standards, procedures, and policies needed for a successful venture.  Through the process, we hosted multiple trainings in order to certify community members, agency employees, school resource officers, and Guardsmen in the SOT program.  Over the course of three years, approximately 35 individuals have been trained and certified to teach SOT. 

In the summer of 2010, the coalition staff was meeting with the Lafayette Chief of Police, Jim Craft.  He mentioned that he missed having a drug education program in the schools for his officers to teach to the students.  He enjoyed and supported the development of the positive relationship that it fostered between the police officer and student.  We mentioned to Chief Craft that we’d been piloting the SOT program in two schools through the work of volunteers teaching it, but that it could be transitioned into a school resource officer’s duties to teach the program.  Upon hearing about our initial success and the details of this fantastic EBP, he immediately supported the idea.  Thus began the work of expanding the SOT program in Lafayette to nearly all middle schools. 

Next, we approached the Lafayette Parish School Board, which also wholeheartedly agreed that this program was needed and affirmed that they would support the effort in whatever manner possible.  We decided that the program should continue to be taught through the P.E. classes.  Stay on Track was headed for a grand expansion in Lafayette!  In the fall of 2010, SOT would begin in nine public middle schools (three of the twelve public middle schools in Lafayette were already receiving a program).  This grew our number of students from 250 per year to nearly 5,300 per year! 

This expansion was a drastic increase and caused both The Knowledge Effect coalition and the National Guard to be on point and it challenged us to perform at top notch.  Fortunately, the stellar partnership with the National Guard assisted in any hiccups or miscommunications along the way.  Truly, this relationship has been a shining example of what to aim for between two partnering agencies in the ability to brainstorm, implement, and work out any issues seamlessly and selflessly.   Implementation for this school year is nearly complete, with only a handful of 8th grade (Level 3) classes left to teach.  It has been an exciting and thrilling experience to be a part of something that started out small and yet grew to be an effective and widespread program to youth.  As the proverb states, “Do not despise small beginnings.”  What is important is to lay the foundation and framework correctly so that the structure built on top of it can grow and develop without crumbling or weakness. 

Sixth and seventh grade students from Floyd, Indian Valley, Willis, and Woolwine Middle Schools were invited to attend the 2nd Annual Stay on Track graduation at Motor Mile Speedway.  When the students arrived, they were brought over to center track for a question and answer session with drivers Brandon Dean, Jerame Donley, Wayne Corprew, and Tommy Lemons, Jr.   The students loved the opportunity to meet and speak to the drivers, wished they had more time to ask more questions.  However, with the pre-race activities about to start, it was time to move on to the parade lap.

Three FMTV military vehicles, decorated with Stay on Track/National Guard “Drug Free Starts with Me” banners, carried the students onto the track for their spotlight in the parade lap. The crowd cheered as the students waved in excitement. Following the lap, the trucks lined up on the track in front of the crowd, and the students followed Guard personnel to center stage. There, DDRA 1SG Muse congratulated the students on their accomplishment and reiterated the importance of the lessons learned during the program. School Principal Sandra Montgomery addressed the crowd as well, enthusing, “Stay on Track is one of the best programs to have been brought to this area.”

Before the students exited the track and prepared for the green flag, the VA Counterdrug Task Force presented the Colors as the National Anthem was sung.   For the conclusion of five races that evening, the students assisted Jr. Miss and Miss Motor Mile in presenting trophies to the winners.

Saving the best for last, the VA NG DDR and the students presented Motor Mile Speedway representative Dede Stone with a token of appreciation, signed by all of the students.
Special thanks to everyone that helped make this year’s event a true success!

Thank you once again for providing the Stay On Track program to the students at Willis Elementary School. Saturday night at the Motor Mile Speedway was AWESOME! The kids, the parents and my staff loved it! You always do an outstanding job!

We look forward to this again next year!

Sandra J. Montgomery, Principal

I’ve heard raving reviews about Saturday. The students seemed to really enjoy their trip.

Thanks for a great year,
CQuinn, Principal

“Making Waves at Hui Malama o Ke Kai”
By 2LT Kenley G. Agtarap, HI ANG

It’s a regular Friday afternoon all across the beautiful State of Hawaii.  Most kids are relaxing at home, cruising Waikiki, or looking forward to surfing till the sun sets over the ocean. But in the small countryside town of Waimanalo, afterschool students are stepping up and making the choice to stay drug-free.

On January 8th, 2010, these 20 students of Hui Malama were introduced to “Stay on Track”, a program provided by the National Guard Bureau and designed specifically for Hawaii’s youth.  This innovative substance abuse program consists of 12 exciting weeks of ongoing education that will help make the right choices, reach their goals, and fulfill their dreams.  Stay on Track (or “SOT” as they call it) teaches health education, decision-making, goal-setting, media influences, communication skills, and interpersonal relations.  It is evidence-based and covers General Learning Objectives (GLO) for Health, Life Science and Language Arts. 
One student exclaimed, “I never knew you could die from using inhalants just once. I have friends who do that, but I never knew it could kill you. I have cousins who do it too, but I’m going to tell them to stop now that I know the truth.”  Miss Lashay Keliiholokai expressed her gratitude for the Counterdrug Program.  “This is what the kids in our community need; being educated before they make choices that could alter their lives forever.”

With so much positive feedback spreading like wildfire across the island, Kailua Elementary insisted on jumping on board to lead their students down the right track…to Stay on Track, that is.  With the support of the National Guard and Hawaii Counterdrug Program, waves are being made to Breathe Life into Future Generations.

Celebration of Achievement
By Angelis V. Hunter, DC NG

On a beautiful Tuesday morning on January 19, 2010, the District of Columbia National Guard (DC NG) Counterdrug-Drug Demand Reduction Program (CD-DDRP) and Noyes Education Campus hosted an event to Kick-Off the Stay On Track program, and to recognize the school’s Blue Ribbon Award Achievement.

DDRP called on Counter Drug aviators to bring in the UH-58 helicopter (helo) to create an unforgettable experience. The pilots discussed the basic functions of the helo, how to become a pilot, and the importance of Staying on Track.

Even more, the partnership utilized this opportunity to honor the school’s Blue Ribbon Award achievement. Noyes Education Campus is the only school that has received the Blue Ribbon Award this year in the District of Columbia, and is one of two thousand schools to ever receive the award. This is the highest award a public school can get for meeting the National Education Standards.

This event was a reflection of the commitment to better our community through education, leadership, hard work, dedication and the persistence of individual parents, students, staff, and DC DDR Program. Congratulations Noyes Education Campus, and thank you DC National Guard DDR!

An ode to the achievement of Noyes Education Campus:

Thank You
Be encouraged
Each of you is the essence of excellence
Let no-thing steer you off course
You are flying high
Always soar forward
We love you!