Milton speaks to kids about drugs, alcohol, and bullying
Plains High School played host to a special guest on Monday as motivational speaker Milton Creagh made time in his busy schedule to speak to students, parents and teachers about a variety of important and timely subjects. Creagh spoke to students during the day and decided to stay to deliver a message to parents.
Creagh’s speech to students concerned several subjects, focusing primarily on the dangers associated with drug and alcohol abuse. He stressed the importance of good-decision making skills and the issues that arise with alcohol and drug usage as an adult. Creagh also addressed the issue of bullying with some of the older students in attendance.
“I told the students that it’s important to be able to identify when a problem with alcohol can start. It can start when they are very young but it can become a major problem when they are older,” said Creagh.
“I also spoke about the responsibility they have if they witness bullying. You can’t just stand by and watch someone being abused. They need to be willing to go and say something,” said Creagh.
With a blend of wit, humor and anecdotal evidence to support his ideas, Creagh spoke to parents for about an hour on ways to help their children make good decisions regarding drugs and alcohol.
He stressed the impact that parental behavior has on the developing minds of youth and the fact that alcohol and drug abuse in the home by parents can have a significant impact on possible future substance abuse by their children.
Creagh also cautioned parents on allowing their kids to play certain types of video games. Creagh singled out the popular game series, “Grand Theft Auto” which depicts activities that he said were, “completely inappropriate for children.”
“There is a reason there is a big M for mature on the back of the box. Parents cannot allow their kids to see this stuff. My wife doesn’t let me see that stuff and I’m a grown man,” said Creagh.
Creagh also attempted to impress upon parents the importance of knowing their kids’ friends and their parents.
“Studies show that the number one place kids try drugs or alcohol for the first time is at a friends house. Parents, get to know your children’s friends and their parents,” said Creagh.
Creagh has been speaking to audiences for about 25 years and performs over 500 speeches a year. Creagh estimated that he speaks to more than 200,000 students a year. Creagh has spoken to Presidents, leaders in Washington D.C., professional athletes, corporate officials and many others all across the United States.
Creaghs’ attendance at Plains High School was sponsored through the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge in partnership with the Elk’s National Drug Awareness Program. The Elks are an American fraternal order and social club founded in 1868, claiming nearly one million members nation-wide. According to their website, the Elks Drug Awareness program is the largest volunteer drug awareness program in the country.