Pontiac High School students praised for P2D2 Program

By: Kent Casson | September 1, 2011 PTHS students are shown with Jason Barickman Thursday morning (photo by Kent Casson/WJBC). Students and staff members involved with Pontiac Township High School’s Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program were recognized for their efforts Thursday morning. A new law recently signed by Gov. Pat Quinn expands the P2D2 Program statewide. PTHS students lobbied lawmakers to pass the expansion and testified for House Bill 5056 before House and Senate committees. The legislation passed both chambers unanimously. State Rep. Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, praised all of the hard work involved with the project. “I went to Woodland High School and we had shop and football, but never pulled ourselves together and lobbied our government for a change such as you all have done,” said Barickman. PTHS students Nora McCune and Charles Spencer have both been involved with the P2D2 Program. “Being a part of this program has had a huge impact on my life, the environment and the world,” said McCune. “Being involved with P2D2 has been a fun and beneficial experience for me. It has given me the opportunity to be involved with my local government and just really see how far you can go with determination and passion,” added Spencer. PTHS Ecology Teacher Paul Ritter said P2D2 is the right thing to do and encouraged people to always follow their dreams, never allowing anyone to hold them back. Barickman co-sponsored the bill in the Illinois House.