Ten years ago, a group of Roslyn parents decided to take a stand against drug and alcohol use by the youngsters in our community. The organization they founded, the Roslyn Alliance Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse (RADA), is now celebrating its tenth anniversary by continuing its vital work.

A great deal has been accomplished by RADA in the last decade. Numerous special programs and activities have been organized to raise and maintain consciousness about substance abuse. The school district's health education curriculum has been greatly enhanced and expanded in this area as a direct result of their diligent attention, extensive research and constructive input.

Among the activities sponsored by RADA each year is Red Ribbon Week. In October, students in all of our schools participate in intensive, age-appropriate programs which focus their attention on the dangers of drug and alcohol addiction. Through the years, RADA has brought many guest speakers into our schools, whose first-hand experience with addiction has supplemented our comprehensive education about substance abuse.

Perhaps the most ambitious program of this kind was last spring's community forum entitled "Deadly Choices," presented by RADA and the Coordinating Council of Parent Associations. The forum was attended by several hundred parents and students who heard moving accounts by victims of substance abuse as well as family members, health care professionals and educators who work every day with those suffering from the effects of addiction.

RADA also sponsors activities for families that raise funds for its important work as well as promote the value of active family participation and communication in the fight against substance abuse. A very memorable event of recent years was the presentation of the Harlem Wizards basketball team at Roslyn High School. A delighted audience of over 1,000 adults and children was treated to a "contest" between the Wizards and a team of Roslyn School District staff members.

RADA could find no more appropriate way to celebrate its anniversary than to plan a full schedule of activities this year. I was pleased to attend a meeting with RADA members earlier this month where they discussed a number of upcoming events. Tomorrow night, January 29, they will sponsor Family Wacky Relay Night at Roslyn High School begining at 7:30 pm. Students in grades 1 through 5 will participate in an evening of family fun.

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 pm RADA will host a forum entitled "What Our Kids Want Us to Know." It will feature a panel of Roslyn High School students. Parents are urged to attend.

RADA's current co-presidents, Amy Magid and Lisa Levine, are also discussing with RADA members an anniversary event during this school year which would recognize the contributions of the organization's dozens of past officers and members who have dedicated themselves to the ongoing battle against drug and alcohol abuse in our society.

We must not forget what RADA is all about. At a presentation to middle school parents last week co-sponsored by RADA and the Roslyn Middle School PTA, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services and Personnel Madalyn Moses outlined the results of a survey that was conducted last spring among our middle and high school students about substance use among teenagers. The reality is that drugs are widely available, and that young people face enormous peer pressure to at least experiment with drugs and alcohol. Though the survey shows that Roslyn students are well educated about the risks of using alcohol and drugs, the temptations to use them are very strong.

All of us must join RADA in the ongoing fight for our children's health and safety. Parents, educators and all others in our community must continue to support RADA and its efforts to make substance abuse a thing of the past.