Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Burnett's parents return to inspire healthy choices
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Burnett’s parents return to inspire healthy choices

February 10, 2015 | 499 views

Chase Burnett (1995-2012)

As a part of a continued commitment to health and wellness inside and outside of the classroom, Darlington recently welcomed David and Yvette Burnett back to campus for a special chapel presentation.

The husband and wife shared updates on synthetic marijuana legislation and the associated dangers of its usage to inspire students to make healthy and smart choices.

The Burnetts last visited Rome in October 2012 during one of their first talks to school groups.

"They really have a heart to make students aware that this kind of accident can happen to anyone," said Dana Peek, dean of students. "They effectively communicate how their own son looked just like one of our students." 

Chase's Law, passed on March 27, 2012, was named in memory of their son who lost his life after smoking synthetic marijuana that he legally purchased from a convenience store. The law prohibits all forms of synthetic marijuana in the state of Georgia.

Chase Corbitt Burnett was a 10th-grade honor student at McIntosh High School in Peachtree City, Ga. when he died at age 16. 

Peek and Dean of Residential Life Marcus Holmes reconnected with Chase's parents in April 2014 following a symposium that focused on the consequences of cannabinoids and synthetic marijuana.

"These drugs are dangerous," said Peek. "There is no uniformity in how the marijuana leaves are sprayed with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Some portions could have up to ten times the amount of another."

Legislation against this form of marijuana continues to be a challenge because of different loopholes.

"Those who create this product have in the past been able to tweak chemicals to remain one step ahead of the outlawed form of synthetic marijuana," said Peek. "Chase's Law has put an end to their ability to react so quickly."

Darlington's Preventative Testing Program incorporates drug screenings through a third-party organization that randomly selects the names of Upper School students as well as all faculty and staff ELA-12 for testing throughout the school year.

"This program came out of a need for protection of our kids, and to be intentional about helping them to be wise," said Peek. "The Burnetts' first visit reinforced what we decided to do at Darlington in a very tangible way for our students."

The education component of the testing program has been able to empower Darlington's students to make better choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

"Knowing that their school participates in this kind of program, our students are going to think twice when making these kinds of decisions," said Peek. 

To find out more about Darlington's commitment to educating students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and equipping them to make the right choices, contact Dana Peek.

Click here to read about the Burnetts' first visit to Darlington in 2012.