Jasper Co. Students Say "I AM RESPONSIBLE"

Some kids in the lowcountry actually wanted to go to school today!

Students from around Jasper County attended the "I Am Responsible" seminar, where they discuss many important issues facing teens today.

The "I Am Responsible" group, or "I AM R" meets every couple of months to get students involved from elementary all the way through high school.

Ridgeland High School student Devonte Frost is here because he's trying to overcome some recent trouble.

"So you know I'm thinking about that and I am trying to join the most programs I can to stay out of trouble."

Dy'keira Heyward also got into some trouble fighting at school, but says she learned some valuable lessons at the seminar.

"Sometimes you gotta walk away which sometime is hard to do you know but you im growing up and I don't have time for that I am trying to get into college."

It wasn't just students enjoying the program, parents got some lessons too.

"Learning how not to be afraid of your kids and how to take the initiative to different things with your kids instead of waitng for the kids to need or wanting anything," said Jaquelyn Lawrence.

In the sessions they discuss everything from bullying to gossip, to staying in school and even teen pregnancy .

The Jasper County teen pregnancy rate dropped 29% from 2009 to 2010 and organizers say it's programs like "I AM R" that are keeping kids on the right track and helping them make responsible choices.

"If you learn about being responsible, you just can't learn it, you have to act it, and that's what we're about. You know if we can cut down on the discipline problems in our schools and have them focus on doing the right thing it helps the instruction, and if they are getting the instruction then they're going to learn," said Curtis Dixon, program director.

Heyward says she's going to reccommend this group to other students.

"Yeah I will, I'll spread the word."

And today that word was responsibility.

If you are interested in "I AM R" contact Curtis Dixon at 843-717-1601