GINA B. GOOD / PVT Methodologies, a group of Pahrump students supported by WestCare of Nevada's Positive Action program, highlights social messages dealing with substance abuse and other pressures faced by teenagers. RELATED STORY Red Ribbon Week Advertisement

In February 2008, 20 young people, ranging in age from middle school to high school, began meeting in Pahrump with the goal of identifying the challenges they felt their peers and the community faced.

The students identified substance abuse from drugs and alcohol as detrimental influences and determined to educate their peers in order to make positive changes in the community.

A play with numerous monologues and skits was created from the discussions, and on Wednesday, two assemblies at Pahrump Valley High School featured the young actors in the group, called Methodologies, which is supported by the Nye County Coalition.

The assemblies were part of Red Ribbon Week, an awareness campaign observed annually in schools the last full week in October, supporting prevention of alcohol, tobacco and drug use and prevention of violence among peers, at home and school and the community in general.

The players spoke about being the pressure and challenges associated with being the new kid in school without any friends. In one skit, a new girl initially rejected overtures by students because of the way they were dressed, thinking they were into drugs.

A monologue featured a popular girl who dealt with her parents' divorce and mother's sadness by turning to meth.

The messages throughout the Methodologies presentation were accompanied by today's music on a simple large background of graffiti-painted fabric. The group has toured schools in northern Nye county, appearing in front of 100-300 students. This week at PVHS, the two assemblies totaled about 1,500 students who heard their message.