Teen Advisors contribution

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Feb. 10, 2001 10 PM

When Lockheed Martin came to Pike County, it was expected that the company would have a huge impact on the local economy. However, Pike County has benefited more from "the missile plant" than was expected.

Lockheed Martin is a dedicated community partner and a strong support of education and youth programs.

Last week, Randy Stevenson, plant manager, Lockheed Martin – Pike County Operation, presented a $1,500 check to Terry Watkins, health education outreach coordinator for Edge Regional Medical Center,

in support of Teen Advisors, a peer counseling organization, at Charles Henderson High School and Middle School.

Stevenson said Teen Advisors is a very worthwhile organization and one that will benefit many students, including"our people’s children"

"Many of our employees have children in the Troy City School System and they benefit from organizations such as Teen Advisors," he said. "Often, kids have a tendency to respect the comments of their peers, or even strangers, more than those of their parents. Teen Advisors brings middle school students in contact with high school students and these younger students will listen to what the older ones have to say because they look up to them."

Stevenson said Lockheed Martin is supportive of youth programs that teach individual responsibility,

There is a point where adult responsibility ends and young people must accept responsibility for their own actions, Watkins said.

"We appreciate the support of Lockheed Martin and, Randy is right," she said. "Young people must learn to accept responsibility for their actions and, when a corporation like Lockheed Martin supports our programs, it gives them even more credibility. We area grateful for community and corporate sponsorships. We build on them."

Watkins said Lockheed Martin’s contribution to the Teen Advisors organization will be used to offset the cost involved in carrying out the program, including materials, tee-shirts and publicity.

Teen Advisors is a support group for teenagers who want to take a stand against drugs and alcohol. These Teen Advisors receive training on the effects of drug and alcohol use, conflict resolution, stress management and reaching goals in life.

Board members of the local Teen Advisors organization joined Watkins in expressing appreciation to Stevenson and Lockheed Martin for their support of the program.

Board members are Melinda Lyles, Steve Rascoe,

Herbert Reynolds, Holly Vincent and Thad Yancey.