________________________________ Preface _________________________________________________ Studies have shown that a great many children have experienced illicit drugs. The generation gap of knowledge and the magnitude and the seriousness of the growing drug problem in high schools and middle schools across the country needs to be addressed. Many people don't believe there is a problem with drugs in our community. Since the public doesn't often see the impact drugs have on our youth, we asked our graduating seniors to address the subject from their perspective. We felt that it was time they were given a platform with the hope that the community will take time to listen and act. Our hope is to encourage the legal system (legislators, county commissioners, city board of supervisors, state, county and local police and judges) to take a "No tolerance" stance. This not only includes establishing tough laws and ordinances concerning drug use but to encourage the legal system to dole out serious consequences to anyone who violates these laws. To get the students involved in drug awareness and to let the community see the issue from their perspective, we developed an essay contest. Brookings-Harbor (OR) High School seniors were asked to write an essay, anonymously or giving their name, about the problems they see with illicit drugs, prescription drugs, inhalants or dip for October, 2007 Red Ribbon month and Substance Abuse month. The results of this the 2nd Through My Eyes Essay Contest follow.