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Schools

Drug Prevention Presentation

Hatboro-Horsham High School parents are invited to hear the story of an area parent and educator who lost his son to drugs during a poignant presentation scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, in the high school auditorium.

Dr. Rick Dunlap, who is principal of West Chester East High School, will share his own insights as someone who has lived with addiction in the family. He will tell the story of his son Tim Dunlap, who died at the age of 20 from a drug overdose. His cautionary tale will include advice for parents about substance abuse and care for addicts, as well as how to advise students on making the right choices in difficult situations. Dr. Dunlap will be accompanied by a Drug Enforcement Agency investigator who will help parents understand the true facts and figures about drugs, drug sales and drug abuse.

"We anticipate that Dr. Dunlap's presentation will have a significant impact on those who attend, and we hope it will help parents and their children to open up the lines of communication on issues like substance abuse," said Principal Dennis Williams. "It is important for community members to understand that drug addiction is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of upbringing or background, and that we all can play a role in helping to prevent it."

Dr. Dunlap's professional career in education includes teaching special education, serving as assistant principal at the middle school and high school levels, and coaching high school football and wrestling. He has a master's degree in bilingual/bicultural studies and a doctorate in educational leadership from Immaculata University.  Prior to his career in education, Dr. Dunlap was an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He has presented at national and international levels on curriculum, leadership and literacy and serves as a consultant to several districts on the topic of curriculum mapping.

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