Chamois senior Veronica Slack said drugs and alcohol have never been something she’s considered, noting it’s not worth it in the long run.
“Being drug and alcohol-free is a healthier way to live and it allows me to be a better me,” said Slack, who was named the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) Student of the Month for November. “I have always believed it’s important to live this way.”
Much of that comes from hearing stories from her father, Torrey Slack, who as a volunteer firefighter in Morrison, has seen more than his fair share of accidents.
“He sees a lot of crashes and I see how much it impacts him,” said Slack. “It inspires me to stay away from drugs and alcohol.”
A friend of her father was killed by a drunk driver, and that also taught a valuable lesson about how quickly life can be taken away.
Principal Jeremy McKague said he felt comfortable nominating Slack. “She is what we really like to see in our students,” he said. “She makes excellent grades, completes in extracurricular activities, is involved in multiple organizations and also is president of her class.”
Slack is a member of FFA and the sports editor and marketing director of the yearbook class while also a basketball player.
So far this year, she has earned straight-As and was named to the honor roll with a GPA of 3.86.
“Not only does Veronica excel in the classroom she is a joy to be around,” said McKague. “She is always in a good mood and willing to go the extra mile.”
Growing up in Morrison, Slack said she has always been surrounded by good people with her best interests at heart. “My family has always supported me in every way,” she said. “My mom (Marsha) and dad always set a good example for me.”
She has passed that along to her brother, Victor, an elementary student at Chamois, and her 3-year-old twin siblings, Harmon and Dahlia. Slack said she also tries to set a good example but she’s also vocal in her beliefs.
“Everyone knows how I feel about drugs and alcohol, so no one tries to get me to do anything,” she said. “There’s no peer pressure. I think some of it is because people know my morals. Staying away from that stuff will allow me to make the best choices for me.”
With a tight-knit circle of friends and many friends in general, Slack said there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve alcohol. “None of my friends are into it,” she said. “We enjoy each other’s company.”
Teachers are supportive of her choices and Coach John Leach is outspoken about them. “He’s always promoting that we stay away from it,” said Slack.
McKague added Slack is a vocal leader of the basketball team, and while she has her views, she is always willing to listen to others.
“I feel very confident that Veronica is an excellent representative of our school,” said McKague. “She not only is an excellent student she excels outside of the classroom as well. Her extracurricular involvement is in many diverse areas. She is also one that is willing to help out others in and out of class. Veronica has a bright future when she moves on from CHS.”
Slack plans to attend Westminster College and pursue a pre-vet medicine degree and become a veterinary technician.
She said it’s important for everyone to remember that abusing drugs and alcohol does not just impact the individual. “It affects friends, families, and the community,” Slack said. “It will have a bigger impact than many people realize.”
Slack will be eligible for an OC-ADCAT scholarship, which is awarded at the end of the school year.
"I am so excited to showcase our seniors that have chosen to live a drug- and alcohol-free life," said OC-ADCAT Education Committee Chairperson Charlotte Bellsmith. "I know this is not an easy thing to do. The pressure on our teens to drink while still underage is still pretty severe."