By Chris Moore

chris.moore@panews.com

 

NEDERLAND — Fourth-graders from Nederland ISD elementary schools filled the gym of Nederland High School for a drug free rally Thursday.

The rally is an annual event encouraging children to stay away from drug use.

Guest students enjoyed a performance from the high school’s cheerleaders drum line and drill team Westernaires. The cheerleaders held up signs that spelled out “chicken: ” Cool, Honest, Intelligent, Clear-headed, Keen, Energetic, and Not Interested in Drugs.

The crowd of impressionable youngsters heard from a drill team member, a senior football player and a baseball coach about the importance of making smart choices and not succumbing to peer pressure.

After the drum line stirred up the fourth-graders, senior football player Hunter Sonnier pumped the crowd up with a back and forth “drug, free” chant. Sonnier then made students and teachers stand up and the chicken song began to play over the speakers accompanied by a chicken mascot. Cheerleaders selected some of the children and teachers from the stands to dance with them.

“The drug free rally is an excellent way to let our students know the importance of being drug free,” Nederland Independent School District Superintendent Robin Perez said.

Nederland Bulldogs baseball coach Bryan Spell gave the fourth-graders advice about how staying away from drugs can help maintain a clear mind.

“We talked to the baseball players the other day about where our joy comes from,” Spell said. “We talk about friendship and love. Those things make life worth living. Find people that you love and surround yourself with them.”