By RAYMOND ADEEKO

Staff Writer

Sixth-graders in Lincoln and Union parishes will be on campus to attend a substance abuse prevention conference at 9:30 a.m. today in the Thomas Assembly Center, located on 1650 W. Alabama Ave.

The seminar is organized by the department of health and exercise sciences and sponsored by the Louisiana Partners in Prevention in Baton Rouge and the Region 8 office of addictive disorders. The Region 8 office coordinates state activities on mental health.

Tommy Grafton, an associate professor of health and physical education, said the program will focus on educating the middle schoolers on the dangers and consequences of using drugs.

"The aim [of the conference] is to reduce or prevent underage drinking and abuse of other drugs," Grafton said.

Dr. James Heimdal, head of the department of health and exercise sciences, said he agreed with Grafton and also praised the idea of the conference.

"One of its purposes is to bring a diverse group of children and give them the tools they need to make the appropriate choices in life," Heimdal said. "We are trying to teach them that every decision is important and has a potential to change their life."

Grafton said the event is the second of its kind and will include representatives from different parts of the community. He also added that in the future it will become an annual event.

"[The program] is designed to involve not only the students but teachers, parents, civic and church groups, businesses and their leaders and the entire community as a whole," Grafton said.

"We are trying to get everyone engaged in some part of the program to at least help slow down underage substance abuse."

Grafton said the event features 15 speakers selected on the basis of experience and expertise in certain fields with the keynote speaker being Phillip Dees from Shreveport, the national record-setting quarterback for high school passing.

He attended Evangel High School in Shreveport.

Other speakers are Hollis Conway, a two-time Olympic high jumper and a medal winner from Shreveport; Doug Stewart, an international motivational speaker from Lafayette; and Cherry Beucher, a former model from New York.

Heimdal said organizing such an event is a boost for the university, and it also shows the commitment of the institution toward improving the youth.

"This is an opportunity for Tech to partner with the community to enhance the health and quality of 753 children and their families," Heimdal said.

Grafton said the conference is an all-day event but is divided into three sessions. The general session will be held at the Thomas Assembly Center and is open to all students and any organization interested.

However, the other two sessions are for the sixth-graders only. He added that two speakers are assigned to each group to speak at the sixth-graders' sessions.

Grafton said he encourages all who can to attend and "show support for the youngsters."