“I saw many students waste ability in the classroom and on the field,” Kent says. “God gives you many abilities, but you can’t use them if you’re drunk or high.”
With its constant struggle to reach more children, the Drug Awareness Program has evolved from handing out a few brochures to owning more than 80 Drug Awareness trailers. “The program has become more mobile and more visual,” Kent says.
Competing with MTV and text-messaging isn’t the program’s only obstacle: As the new director, Kent must create a passion for the program within the Elks. He hopes to show Elks that saving our children is something they can feel great doing. “There is a lot of apathy about many of the programs, and we need to eliminate that. We must acknowledge that there’s a problem and it affects all kids,” he says. “The Elks are great believers in the youth of our country. As a leading fraternal organization, we have to step up and do the things we are talking about.”
Kent believes the Elks will embrace the Drug Awareness Program because it’s a natural force. “The Elks are all hard workers who love our children,” he says.
While the headlines define youth substance abuse as “the war on drugs,” Kent believes the problem is better addressed as a health issue to emphasize the gravity of the situation. “Alcohol and drug use isn’t what it used to be. Kids no longer have a couple of beers after a football game; they’re drinking half a bottle of gin.”
Kent first became involved with the Drug Awareness Program in the late 1980s. Armed with a zealous attitude toward drug prevention, Kent walked into his first Drug Awareness meeting as any other Elk, and walked out as the program’s state chairperson. “I’m not afraid of challenges,” he says.
Now, 15 years later he spends at least four hours a day improving the program and answering emails from high schools across the country asking for assistance. “I’m a Drug Awareness person,” he says. “I get to continue all the things I love to do, but now I’m more involved.”
Kent stresses that teamwork is the most essential ingredient to a successful program. “This is just too big of a job to do alone,” says Kent of the invaluable help from his Assistant Director, F. Douglas Mattenlee and his Special Assistant, William Bryan.
The most important role Kent assumes as director is that of a motivator. Without the gratification of hearing a child proudly announce the number of free throws they made or how a scholarship made their dreams come true, Kent says the Drug Awareness chairs rely on each other for motivation.
“We need to ask ourselves how much worse would it be if we didn’t do what we’re doing,” he says. “We look at statistics and need to constantly believe we are making a difference.”
As long as he’s director, Kent will remain committed to maintaining the Elks’ status as the best volunteer drug awareness program in the country. With the shifting, often-uncertain world around us, the Elks “will be the standard in drug awareness programs,” Kent says. “We will be the rock.”
Leading the Fight Against Drugs
John Cornette South Dakota Elks Drug Awareness Chair 2003-04 DAP Chairman of the Year
As the only original state Drug Awareness chair remaining, John’s dedication to teaching youth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol serves as an example to others. His 22 years of service coupled with his former career as a counselor for the local school system, warrants John’s recognition as 2003-04 Chairman of the Year.
During his term, the Elks program has evolved into one of the best nationwide drug awareness programs. John says that by offering up-to-date literature to anyone at no cost, the Elks Drug Awareness program reaches more people and benefits more communities today than ever before.
John works hard to educate his community about the drug culture of area youth. “Everyone in my community knows that the Elks have a tremendous commitment to youth,” says John.
The most rewarding part of John’s role as chair is traveling throughout the state, visiting with Elks about the program, and using his expertise to assist other Lodges. “You never earn the recognition on your own,” says John of his award. “It’s when every Lodge in the state is behind you and working with you that you succeed.”
If he ever doubts the importance of the Elks and their drug awareness efforts, John visits the substance abuse ward at a local hospital. “Seeing what drugs and alcohol can do to an individual,” says John, “that’s all the motivation I need.”
Palmer Bromley Massachusetts Elks Drug Awareness Chair 2003-04 DAP Rookie of the Year
In only his second year as Drug Awareness chair for the Massachusetts Elks Association, Palmer’s accolade may claim he’s a rookie, but he’s been around the drug awareness block for some time. In addition to serving as a district and state vice-chair for the Elks Drug Awareness Program, Palmer also teamed with the chief of police to represent their town on a Community Plans Committee, which tackled local drug awareness issues.
Serving on the committee encouraged Palmer to reach out to community and Elks leaders. By joining with other state chairs and organizations, Palmer is able to lead more effectively and flood the state with resources. Last year, Elks across Massachusetts distributed more than half a million pieces of drug awareness literature, and the state’s new drug awareness trailer became a successful addition to the program. Palmer says that when he drives the trailer in parades, the crowd stands up and claps, cheering on the Elks and celebrating their hard work.
Palmer promotes drug awareness in his community by making the program visible at events like Homecoming and the Soccer Shoot. “It’s fun to get involved locally,” says Palmer. “Drug awareness is an uphill battle, but we work hard and I feel we are making a difference.”