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Winnie and the Morning Drive on WKOS interviewed NCPRS', Sharon Clarke to promote Food City's Kid's Day.
Tennessee National Guard at
Food City's Kids Day
Food City Kids Day Festivities
Tennessee National Guard with NCPRS's Sharon Clarke
Sharon Clarke at Food City Kids Day
Having Fun at Food City Kids Day
Tennessee National Guard
Drug Awareness Trailer
Goldenview Middle School–
Anchorage, Alaska
Goldenview Middle School–
Anchorage, Alaska
TN and FL National Guard honored at the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500
Dale Jarrett with SGT Edmistin and SPC Braswell
National Guard Rolling Workshop
John Dolus interviewing National Guard team
Sgt. Winnette with students at Central Middle School
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Food City Kids Day – Blountville, Tennessee
On Saturday, May 17, 2008 the Tennessee National Guard partnered with NCPRS’ Director of Community Outreach, Sharon Clarke, to support Food City Kids Day in Blountville, Tennessee. A radio interview with Winnie Byrd, from WKOS’ Morning Drive, was instrumental in drawing a crowd to this very special event.
Captain Linda Williams, of the Tennessee National Guard, provided the impressive Counterdrug Taskforce Drug Education Trailer, in an effort to educate children, and families, about the dangers of drug use. SSG Billy Yatesmatoy and PFC Ciji Laws spent the day talking with families, and sharing information about the Stay on Track program, which is currently being implemented in over 85 counties throughout the state. Their knowledge, and ability to captivate the crowd, brought valuable insight and awareness to all in attendance.
CW3 Scott Mason arranged to have the Kiawa Warrior, OH 58 military helicopter land in the Food City parking lot, managed by Tommy Stanley and District Manager, Haskel Bledsoe. The helicopter, piloted by CW2 Chris B. Campbell and CW3 Charles E. Bumpas, was greeted by a sea of waving hands and cheers from below. Heavy fog almost prevented them from landing, but they made it safely, and were even able to stay an extra two hours to speak with the children and their families. Both children and adults were also given the opportunity to climb into the cockpit and have their pictures taken. The dedication of the National Guard was tremendously appreciated!
Sharon Clarke brought prevention materials and Stay on Track Activity Books to be distributed, as well as Pledge Books, in which the kids make a decision to live a drug free life. Many parents commented on how appreciative they were for the National Guard’s efforts, while some shared tearful stories about how drugs have destroyed the lives of family members. These moments throughout the day had a profound impact on everyone participating, and served as a reminder of how important and powerful this mission is.
This unique opportunity to spotlight the National Guard’s Counter Drug efforts was a result of the parallel mission that Food City Stores, Stay on Track, and the National Guard share, focusing on the health and well-being of our youth.
Brandy Pendergrass and her director, Ron Bonacci of Food City, invited Mrs. Clarke to participate in Kids Day 2008, and as a result, are interested in working together and spotlighting Stay on Track in many future events throughout Virginia and Tennessee. It is a mutually beneficial partnership, and one that is greatly appreciated!
Sharon Clarke
Director of Community Outreach
Sharon Clarke, Director of Community Outreach Interviewed By Winnie on the Morning Drive!
Sharon Clarke, Director of Community Outreach, was interviewed by Winnie on the WKOS Morning Drive in Bristol, Virginia. WKOS helped Sharon get the word out about Race Against Drugs, Stay On Track, RAD Scholarship recipients, Food City's Kid's Day (Saturday, May 17), Tennessee National Guard and sponsorship opportunities with NCPRS. Thank you Winnie and WKOS The Peak!
Listen to this radio interview! (mp3 download)
Contact Sharon Clarke!
Visit WKOS online!
Stay On Track Graduating Class–Anchorage, Alaska
Hello Everyone!
As the teacher of a Health Education classroom at Goldenview Middle School in Anchorage, Alaska, I feel good about my invitation to have the National Guard Drug Demand Reduction initiative presented to the students of this community.
We kicked off the Stay On Track program in 2006 with the “FREEDOM CALLS” assembly and students were wowed by it! For 2 years now, the Stay on Track program, delivered by the Alaska Drug Demand Reduction program, has visited our 8th grade Health Education classrooms and has celebrated the completion of the program with over 600 students and families. This information is also related to the other students in the school by virtue of student sharing. We are anticipating the return of the committed Stay on Track personnel in the coming school year to help another 400 students consider their futures, consider the benefits of staying on track in life, and having the courage to live without the persuasion of substance abuse.
Thank you for your active and continued support of the Drug Demand Reduction initiative!
Eric N. Heil
Health Specialist
Goldenview Middle School
Tennessee and Florida National Guard were honored at the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500 on February 17, 2008
NCPRS has participated in the parade lap at the legendary Daytona 500 for over 13 years. This year it was an honor to have representatives from the Tennessee and Florida National Guard ride around the track in a two and a half ton military truck adorn with the Stay on Track and National Guard banner. It was a unique opportunity for them to witness over 300,000 excited NASCAR fans rise to their feet and thunderously cheer them on with genuine appreciation for their dedication and service to our country.
“The support the Army National Guard received from the fans was at most times overwhelming” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Winchester. “It was a once in a lifetime experience.”
Many of the Guard were able to take photos next to the Rick Hendrick #88 car, driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. From the pit area they were able to watch the race in style and witness the excitement and adrenaline first hand.
NCPRS would like to thank the National Guard for their participation in the parade lap. Stay on Track is fortunate enough to have the best role models in the country partnering with us to help youth across America live life to the fullest - drug free!
-Sharon Clarke
Director of Community Outreach
National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions
Race Against Drugs and Stay on Track
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Food City Family Race Night 2008
The Tennessee National Guard left quite an impression on families and children from all over the country following the Food City Family Race Night event on March 13, 2008. SGT Edmistin and SPC Braswell took advantage of the opportunity to use their Drug Education Trailer as a tool to discuss, with fans, the signs and dangers of drug use. Curious children and their parents walked slowly through the drug and paraphernalia rolling workshop. Gasps and whispers could be heard when their eyes met with some of the disturbing photographs. The two Guardsmen seized the opportunity to answer questions and drive the point home that “DRUG FREE STARTS WITH ME”.
There were hundreds of opportunities for the Guardsmen to promote the Stay on Track program, which has been implemented in 48 states and territories. Networking with media led to an opportunity to interview with John Dolus, WQOS Program Director for Citadel Broadcasting Company. The broadcaster was so interested in the their dedication to, and passion for, the Stay on Track program, that he asked for the opportunity to interview NCPRS’ Director of Community Outreach, Sharon Clarke, to give listeners a full understanding of the Guard’s efforts during a live morning show. Sharon has asked Captain Linda Williams to participate and use this interview as an opportunity to talk about the overwhelming impact Stay on Track has had on children and communities throughout the southeast region of Tennessee. Captain Williams will also discuss the many other and programs the DDR units of the Guard incorporate in their initiative.
Topping off the event, Sharon was able to secure a photo opportunity with the honored guest at Food City Family Race Night, Mr. Dale Jarrett (Driver of the UPS Toyota). Mr. Jarrett received an award from K-VA-T food stores for his achievements during his racing career. In order to prevent drawing too much attention to the famous driver, Don Ayers brought Dale to meet the Guard on a clandestine mission. Don opened the door of a black SUV to allow a smiling Dale Jarrett to step out. SGT. Edmisten and SPC Braswell shook his hand and quickly struck a pose. It was an exciting moment. The NASCAR race in Bristol was Dale Jarrett’s last points race and a landmark in NASCAR history.
I would like to thank the TN National Guard for participating in the Food City Family Race Night for the second year in a row. Events like these create excellent opportunities to communicate our message to the community. Venues such as FCFRN are host to thousands of fans and families from all over the country. Networking and media attention made this particular event a huge Stay on Track success!
With deepest gratitude and thanks to the TN National Guard’s Captain Williams, SGT Edmisten, SPC Braswell, and special guests, Chief Scott Mason and his beautiful daughter; K-VA-T Food Stores’ Lisa Croy-Johnson and Don Ayers; WKOS’ John Bolus; and, of course, Mr. Dale Jarrett.
Sharon Clarke
Director of Community Outreach
National Center for Prevention and Research Solutions
Race Against Drugs and Stay on Track
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Stay On Track Impacts Middle School
I am writing this letter to inform you of the success Stay On Track has had at my school.
A student that I was concerned about ...really tapped into the lessons. He also was impressed with Sgt. Winnette.
About 4 weeks into the program he brought me one of his friends that was thinking about making a bad choice, drug related.
I was really amazed, here I was worried about him and he was able to extend what he had learned to a friend...without this opportunity, I feel these two would have looked for attention in other ways.
I am very thankful for this program and Sgt. Winnette.
Sincerely,
Paige Swanson
School Counselor
Central Middle School
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