Dear Supporter,

As the weather warms and the flowers blossom, events become bountiful throughout the local San Diego community. Here is one you won't want to miss, as our very own Founder, Jon Sundt, and the Sundt Memorial Foundation will be honored at it! The event is called "Rockola" and is the perfect parent-child evening for a safe and good time. Put on by CADFY (Californians for a Drug-Free Youth) and Starlight Theater, "Rockola" will be celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the Red Ribbon Pledge with a benefit performance of "High School Musical"!

The event takes place on June 3^rd at the Starlight Bowl amphitheater in Balboa Park. Tickets for the performance range from $5-$75 and are available to the general through CADFY.org. 

Hope to see you there!

Kelly Frank, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Sundt Memorial Foundation/Natural High

SAVE THE DATE: October 17th, 2009
SMF ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA!

Student Testimonial

"Find out what you want to do and put your heart to it". Those are the words from Kelly Clark a famous snowboarder from the "Natural High" movie. Those are the words that I'll never forget... I have learned from the "Natural High" movie...to be drug free. Forever and Always."         Ashley, Student,               Hilltop M.S.

 
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The Natural High DVDs are distributed for free to every middle and high school in the country; 114,000 public and private schools reaching 31 million children.

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This year Natural High had the privilege to participate in two amazing drug events put on by other local prevention organizations!

The first is a hard-hitting, realistic presentation of the consequences of substance abuse called the "Drug Store". The "Drug Store" is an experience where classes go through multiple scenes (in different classrooms) as they follow a fellow classmate actor down the tragic path of substance abuse so often traveled by youth in real life. This event not only makes an impact on the students, but the scenes are so real that many of the parents of the classmate actor who participate broke down from just pretending and seeing the horrible consequences they might have to face if their kids went down that path. Read more about the event here.

The second event was the "420 Remix" event this year partnered with Boomers! Fun Park in Vista, CA. "420 Remix" is put on every year by the North County Prevention Coalition (NCPC). It is a celebration of sober and drug free life choices to combat the marijuana glorification that usually takes place every year on 4/20. For three hours after school 7^th-10^th grade students had unlimited access to bumper boats, arcade games, go-kart racing, miniature golf, and laser tag! There was also a D.J., raffles, and community prevention resources (such as Natural High) for parents and youth. The best part of it all? This event was FREE; as NCPC was able to raise all the support needed.

The U.N. Points Finger at Drug-Using Celebs

In the interest of young people worldwide, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), aka the United Nations Drug Panel, is speaking out against celebrities who endorse drug-related lifestyles. The youth, it states in an annual report, "are often most vulnerable to the cult of celebrity and its attendant glamor." The board faults society's acceptance of illicit behavior by celebrities and cautions that young people are "quick to pick up on and react to perceived leniency in dealing with (drug) offenders."  Read related New York Times article or Go direct to the INCB Report.

SMF utilizes the impact of celebrities on youth in a positive way. By sharing candid thoughts and showcasing their inspiring talents, celebrities choosing a drug-free lifestyle speak out that drugs are anything but glamorous. Thousands of testimonials, received from kids finding their natural highs, are proof that celebs with bad press are not the only ones making an impression.

A Voice in the Trenches; How the Economy is Affecting Teens

We asked our Student, how is the state of the economy playing out in the lives of teens in your school? Do you have any advice for parents or teachers?

" I live a very privileged life and attend a very affluent school. However, the current economic crisis is definitely affecting teens I know. This year, students aren't traveling as much, and more students are taking summer jobs. My friend recently told me that she was scared... because her parents told her that they couldn't afford to do some things that they've done in the past. Times are changing, and I think most teens are afraid because they don't know what's going to happen next. A teacher or parent can relieve the stress a teen faces by being open and honest, and letting them know what is going on. By communicating and sharing information, an adult can help teens understand what is going (on) and lessen the impact if things take a bad turn."   ~ Anonymous Student Journalist

Meet Sara Trail. She is a 14-year-old master of the sewing craft and entrepreneur of a clothing design and accessory business. At age 4, she stitched her first quilt on her mom's lap. C&T Publishing, known for showcasing the best in the quilting industry, is promoting Sara's newly authored instructional book and DVD. "We are dedicated to providing beautiful books and gifts that inspire creativity in quiltmakers and craftspeople...," says Todd Hensley of C&T. Sara definitely falls in the category of inspiring artisans. She teaches sewing at church, helps foster kids learn to sew, and persuaded a manufacturer to donate sewing machines for after-school programs. Sara's creativity gives her an unstoppable natural high - to keep her from sewing all night, her family once shut off the electricity! For more on Sara and info on all sorts of arts and crafts visit C & T Publishing!

 "This is an amazing tool that all teachers, counselors, and parents should utilize in the fight against drug addiction. It was interesting yet educational, and it really caught the attention of the students. Thank you for this valuable resource!!"
                                                                                                               Cari Spinks, Dean Highland Elementary, TX
 

Sundt Memorial Foundation Sponsors and Partnerships