I want to praise the Durango High School Cross Country program. Its awards night was a tribute of persistence and character under fire. This season, the program succeeded as runners in winning a boys state championship. The students and staff were challenged to face adversity through poor choices in using drugs and alcohol on a road trip. As a team, they circled the wagons and made some very important changes that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
The damage done to people, families and organizations due to alcohol and drug abuse is catastrophic. As a nation, we spend billions and billions of dollars fighting terrorism, yet alcohol and drugs have destroyed more lives in our country. Our jails and prisons are filled with drugs and alcohol addicts. A local police officer told me that if there were no alcohol or drugs, he would be sitting at his desk all day. When people are under the influence, they act with a state of mind that prevents normal perception and behavior.
All praise to the coaching staff, athletes and their parents for running a race of dignity, respect, forgiveness, healing and life of service.
Gerry Geraghty
Durango
