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By SANDRA HENNESSEY
For The Daily Gleaner

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Speak Up

MINTO - Using his life experience as an example, Mitch Dorge advised students at Minto Memorial High School to face life and issues with a positive attitude.

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DRUMMING UP SUPPORT: Motivational speaker Mitch Dorge demonstrated his drumming skills during his talk with students at Minto Memorial High School this week. Dorge began playing drums at age six and played with the band Crash Test Dummies for years.

As guest speaker at the school's Megaforce Day this week, Dorge said he decided to play drums at the age of six, and has done that for 42 years.

His first job after school was teaching drums, and he has played in several bands. In 1991, he joined the Crash Test Dummies. The band played and travelled together until 2002.

Now living in Winnipeg, Dorge visits many schools to present his awareness program.

The focus of Megaforce Day was to encourage positive changes in the school and in the community. Students from grades 9-12 participated, with 60 youths forming discussion groups.

The topics addressed by the students were drugs and alcohol, racism and prejudice, community pride, policing and bullying.

Changes recommended included more respect, understanding and support for each other.

Insp. Mike O'Malley, commander of Dist. 2 RCMP, which includes Minto and Chipman, also addressed the gathering.

"High school is where you really start off your adult life," he said. "There are ups and downs ... The challenges you have now, you'll have as an adult."

This week's school tour was arranged by the RCMP in collaboration with Co-operators Insurance.

Dorge spoke to students at Harvey High School on Monday, Chipman Forest Avenue School on Tuesday, Stanley High School and Oromocto High School on Wednesday, Minto Memorial High School on Thursday, and Cambridge-Narrows School on Friday.

Dorge told the students he has always been positive and happy.

He involved the students in demonstrations of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and body.

Encouraging them to make positive choices and changes, Dorge said, "I want to see you guys fulfilling your dreams."

He told the students that playing the drums for so many years is a dream he has had since he was a child.

"I've had an awesome life," Dorge said.

On set of drums, he demonstrated how small additions and ideas can be combined with skill to produce a display of talent. The students responded with a standing ovation.