Southern Local sixth graders made commitments to stay drug and alcohol free in front of their class, teachers and family Thursday through the All Stars program. Pictured are (from left) Kaylee McCaffrey, Macey Blair, Elizabeth Scyoc and All Stars instructor and sixth grade teacher Jan Fellenger. (Photo by Holly Stefanoff)

SALINEVILLE—Sixth grade students from Southern Local Elementary made lifetime commitments Thursday in front of their classmates, friends and family.

All Stars is a program that aims to prevent harmful behaviors among adolescents and helps children build bright, promising futures through education.

Sixth grade teacher Jan Fellenger instructed an almost weekly course during the intervention period for the entire school year. The course included a peer opinion poll, homework and discussions with family at home.

Principal Carole Sutton addressed the parents, family members and friends in the audience and said, “Talking with kids about who influences them, it’s adults. So, hats off to you.”

73 students made individual commitments to not drink and drive, drink alcohol underage, smoke, use drugs and many others. Their promises were taped and shown at the ceremony.