Drug free club for high school students requires drug test to join

Some Northern Kentucky high school students are joining a club that requires more than a membership fee; they have to pass a drug test. Students at Dayton High School have lots of clubs to choose from, including Drug Free Clubs of America. "It was actually an easy decision for me to make," senior Kelsey Buemi said. Buemi is the varsity cheer captain. She convinced others to join, too. "I try to challenge all the girls to be drug-free and just make the right choice," she said. Senior Seth Chinn plays football. He has seen the effects of drugs on a family member. "Knowing that they're going to miss my senior year kind of affects me pretty hard," he said. Membership in the club includes a card and perks like opportunities to win raffle items on field trips each semester. But before students can join, with a parent's permission, they have to pass a drug test. Active members have to pass five random drug tests a year. More students at Dayton high School have been signing up. They say they've seen their numbers double compared to last year. Angie Ferguson, the executive director of Drug Free Clubs of America, said they have more than 1,100 students in Northern Kentucky who have volunteered for the program. Boone County Schools will introduce the program to all five of its high schools this month. "If they're at a party or out and someone's asking them to partake in alcohol or some type of drug usage, they can say, 'I can't. I'm going to be drug tested,'" Kathy Reutman with Boone County Schools said. Membership costs $67 per student, but it can be lowered with sponsors and fundraising. Test results are only given to the parents, not the schools. Counseling services are available if results are positive.