VMAC School Programs

VMAC offers a wide variety of programming in Verona schools throughout the year, including: 

B.A.B.E.S. Beginning Awareness Basic Education Studies is a character-development program held for 2nd grade students in Verona Public Schools each spring. Topics covered include: Feelings & Self-Image; Decision Making & Peer Pressure; Coping with the Things We Cannot Change; Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Information; and Asking for Help.

Peer Leadership This student-led program at H.B. Whitehorne Middle School is focused on building self-esteem and combating peer pressure through outreach to fellow students.  The program commences by engaging with new 5th graders in the fall and rising 5th graders (4th graders) in the spring. Peers organize theme days for Red Ribbon Week in October with anti-drug and alcohol messaging.  Throughout the year, Peer Leaders participate in community service initiatives and serve as role models to the entire student body.

Heroes & Cool Kids This national program is focused on training high school athletes to serve as role models for 5th graders. Over 50 VHS students model the importance of resolving conflict and preventing violence, negotiating through the pressures associated with alcohol, tobacco, opioid, and drug use and abuse, and increasing physical activity as an alternative to destructive behavior.  

Aware Awake Alive This program educates high school students about the dangers of alcohol poisoning and drug overdose, legal implications of substance abuse, and provides life-saving resources to prevent or manage a crisis prior to arrival of first responders.  Aware Awake Alive activities are held in the spring to ensure these lessons are top-of-mind at celebrations held in conjunction with Memorial Day Weekend, Prom, and Graduation. 

Peer Mediation This program takes place at the Verona elementary schools and trains 3rd and 4th grade students in conflict resolution so that they can help younger students and their peers resolve concerns before they escalate.

Project Graduation This is a nationally recognized drug-, alcohol-, and tobacco-free celebration for graduating high school seniors. In Verona, it is an overnight event with activities, entertainment, and food that is organized by parents, with the support of organizations such as VMAC. Students and families actively choose this substance-free celebration. The purpose is safety (keep graduates safe on graduation night), awareness (increase awareness of the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and driving), community (create a supportive environment for students and adults), and bonding (create opportunities for students to connect with each other).