Companies, agencies back school's 1st career drug fair

Companies, agencies back school's 1st career drug fair

by Chinta Strausberg

The upcoming Robert Emmett Mathematics, Science & Technology Academy's first annual career/drug education fair has received major support from area businesses, social service agencies and elected officials, an educator said Monday.

The fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the school, headed by Dr. Jacqueline A. Robinson, at 5500 W. Madison, is aimed at helping students recognize the benefits of receiving a quality education and teaching them how to make the right choices in life especially on remaining drug-free.

Michele Fleming, an eighth grade teacher at the school, said: "This is a good program because we're focusing on the community at large being able to impact on our students on the importance of setting goals and completing and continuing education.

"We're emphasizing say no to drugs and yes to education," Fleming told the Chicago Defender. "They should say no to drugs because the choices are so bad. If a student is out on a corner selling drugs, they don't make legitimate money. They'll always be looking over their shoulders.

"We want them to know the consequences of those bad choices and that includes going to prison and drying," she said. "We're trying to have the people, mentors, to show they have made a positive impact in their lives by making intelligent, moral, ethical decisions."

Those participating in the fair include: U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency coordinator Agent Paul Ulrich, the Chicago Board of Education, Cmdr. Lorenzo Davis, Ald. Ike Carothers (29th), Judge Sandi Johnson-Speh, attorney Tommy Brewer, attorney Naomi Dunn from the Illinois General's office, Lynn Taylor with the Secretary of State's office, Oliver Banks from State Farm Insurance, CBS 2 anchor Lester Holt, Drug Enforcement Agency, Alan Crane from the Oppenheimer World Investment, Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County, Southwest Airlines, Secretary of State's Office, and the State Farm Insurance.

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