Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Jasmine Baisley, an eighth-grade student at Lupton Junior High School, was recently recognized for winning first place in the Alabama State Troopers Association’s annual essay contest with her compelling essay titled “Why I Will Say No To Drugs and Alcohol.”
In her essay, Jasmine shares her journey, recounting the challenges her family faced due to substance use disorders. She reveals how her own experiences, including being placed in foster care alongside her siblings, shaped her perspective on responsibility and the importance of steering clear of drugs and alcohol.
Jasmine’s essay stands out not only for its sincerity but also for its call to action, inviting her peers to make the same positive choices. “I decided to tell my personal experience because I wanted people to see the real-life things that can happen to people affected by drugs and alcohol,” Jasmine explains.
Originally from New York, Jasmine and her siblings found a new home at Lupton after being adopted from the foster care system. Karen McCain, Jasmine’s teacher, emphasizes the uniqueness of Jasmine’s approach to the essay contest. She notes that while many entries typically focus on researched facts about substance abuse, Jasmine’s vulnerability sets her apart. Jasmine’s prize for winning the contest was a check for $300, which she says she’s considering donating to a charity, an answer that McCain says doesn’t come as a surprise. “Jasmine joined us at Lupton two years ago, and we’ve truly just seen the biggest heart of gold, and her fellow students absolutely love her.”
Grateful for the opportunity to share her story, Jasmine extends her thanks to the Alabama State Troopers Association. “I want to thank them for giving me the opportunity to write this essay to help encourage others to stay drug-free,” she says. WL
