Pubdate: Sat, 06 Jul 2002 Source: Bristol Herald Courier (VA) Copyright: 2002 Bristol Herald Courier Contact: http://www.bristolnews.com/contact.html Website: http://www.bristolnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1211 Author: Keisha Bruce TEEN WORKS TO EDUCATE PEERS ABOUT DRUGS' DANGERS Leslie Sullins sees or hears about drug use every day. She says it's a big problem among high school students, and that's why she's trying to educate children about the dangers of drugs. At just 15 herself, Leslie is working to become a role model and leader for a younger generation. The Virginia High School junior recently was chosen to represent Virginia on the DARE America National Youth Advisory Board. "A lot of kids don't learn about drugs at home, and (through Drug Abuse Resistance Education), it's pounded into them in elementary school, so maybe it will help them make better decisions," she said. Leslie is a DARE graduate herself. She was involved with the program through middle school. When she entered Virginia High, she became involved with Students Against Drunk Driving. Both programs are assisted by Bristol Virginia sheriff's Maj. Dave Maples, who nominated Leslie for the advisory board post a couple of months ago. Two weeks later, she received a congratulatory letter. "I did not expect that at all," she said. "(Maples) said he didn't think anyone in Virginia High had ever gotten it before." The board's 50 members -- one from each state -- will meet in the fall to make plans for the upcoming year. "I think DARE is a really good program for kids going into high school," she said. "If you start with the younger kids, it will help. ... I just want to make a difference." Helping to prevent drug abuse is just one of Leslie's many community activities. She serves as secretary of Bristol Youth Services, which funds programs and projects to help neglected children, and works on the city's Youth Council to bring problems her peers are facing to the attention of community leaders. She also was chosen this year to be part of Bristol Youth Leadership, learning skills concerning time management, racial issues and ethics. Leslie also served as a campaign manager for friend Brittany Sourbeer in the American Heart Association's Queen of Hearts fund-raising competition. Brittany's campaign netted more than $25,000. "Usually, everything I learn in the community is teaching me ways to become a leader, and I can go back to school and be an example for other kids," Leslie said. Her participation in cheerleading, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America also helped the honor student win the title of Miss Virginia High this year. In what spare time she has, Leslie enjoys participating in youth activities at Euclid Avenue Baptist Church. She particularly enjoys mission trips, she said. "I do all this stuff because I want to make a difference," she said. "I don't know if I can as one single person, but I'm going to try." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth