CHICAGO — Our kids face a dangerous world. Younger and younger, they face temptations. And if they are uninformed about these dangers before they encounter them, the worst can come true.

State Rep. Bob Rita, D-Blue Island, and his staff are doing what they can to help.

Rep. Rita’s staff, Danny Romeo, recently made a presentation at Wendell Smith Elementary School for 3rd through 8th graders titled "Elementary School Students in the Drug World."

The presentation highlighted: why young students choose to and choose not to use drugs, what happens when they use drugs in elementary school, how fast they can become addicted at a young age, and how they can discuss drug use and its problems with others.

"It’s my goal to provide additional resources and opportunities to educate our children about the pitfalls of using drugs," Rep. Rita said.

Romeo, who is making the one-hour presentation to other interested schoolchildren from elementary through high school, noted children as young as between 8 and 12 years old are experimenting with drug use and need to be educated about its dangers.

School counselor Laura Rose was impressed: "The presentation was entertaining, informative, and interactive. We will definitely have them back!"

Schools interested in setting up a presentation can contact Danny Romeo in Rep. Rita’s office at 708-396-2822 or dromeo.28ilstaterep@gmail.com.

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