Healthy relationships, heart disease, and illegal drug awareness/prevention. The list of topics discussed at the Back 2 School Jamboree 2010 goes on and on. Thanks to two grants received by the Newton Police Department, members are able to educate our youth.

"The Newton Police Department is a proud recipient of two grants from the Department of Public Safety, which consists of an underage drinking grant. Also project safe neighborhood grant, which deals with gangs and guns. And throughout the past year we've managed to put on seminars, do church events, seminars, and what have you to educate our kids about underage drinking. Also educating them about gangs and guns," describes Newton Police Chief, Harvey Curry.

Ricardo Clayton, from the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department was one guest speaker. Diane Mills, from the Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter in Meridian was another. There were others as well.

"Robin Pennington, a registered nurse, she is talking on the dangers on underage drinking and how it affects the mind," explains Chief Curry.

During the jamboree, other areas of safety were also touched upon. Fire safety tips were reviewed and diabetes awareness was looked over. Newton Police Chief, Harvey Curry was pleased with the educational forum.

"So far, I'm very pleased with the turnout. Hopefully, next year we will get more and more. But this is something we put together in the last few months and I'm happy with it."

Antonio Skinner and James Simmons were two of the participants. They too were happy with the outcome.

"It's alright. It seems like a family get together. We are just trying to do everything, just to have fun. You can see all of the kids and stuff," says Skinner.

Having a great time out here, seeing everybody out here," says Simmons.

This is the first jamboree of its kind. Chief Harvey says he hopes to make it an annual event.