Seymore’s Drug Education Legacy

1987 Seymore & the Critters “Just Say No” to Drugs!” | 60 Minute Live Children’s Theater Program | Starring Seymore & the Critters

1987 Seymore’s Cajun Critters & Kids “Just Say No to Drugs!”

The original production of Cajun Critters & Kid’s “Just Say No” to Drugs was launched in March 1987 in Jefferson Parish, which was the second largest school system in the State of Louisiana.   The program was underwritten privately and in part by Sheriff Harry Lee with sponsorship by Al Copeland | Popeyes Famous Fired Chicken and Biscuits. The combination of program and transportation underwriting and corporate sponsorship enabled the program to be offered free of charge to all participating Elementary and Middle schools in the metro New Orleans area.

The Critters & Kids program was developed to coincide with the National “Just Say NO!” program and was designed specifically for preadolescence school-aged children.  The objectives were:

  • Provide an entertaining and thought-provoking vehicle to teach children 5-11 years old that drugs are inappropriate and unacceptable for quality living.

  • Raise the awareness of children 5-11 years old of the hazards of drug use and their responsibility to reject drug use when influenced by peer pressure.

This program utilized animated cartoon, costume, and puppet character concepts similar to Disney and the Muppets..

Goals & Objectives

OUTCOME: Student & School Participation

During the seven-week production, 110+ elementary and middle schools participated in the program transporting 40,000+ students to one of the 63 live theater performances. 

PTA SCHOOL FUNDRAISING

A PTA fundraiser was created for participating schools via a promotional T-shirt program. Participating schools sold over 4500 program-themed t-shirts raising approximately $45,000 for schools in the metro area.

1987 FAQs

Program Champions

  • Earl Patterson Ph.D. | Tulane University

  • Peter Egan M.S. | New Life Center

  • Ashton Brisolara M. Ed. | Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse

  • William R. Sorum M.D. | Sorum & Associates

  • Cathy Sanderson, MA, | River Oaks Psychiatric Hospital

  • Gordon Berry M.D. | CBS Children’s Program Consultant

  • Edward T. Frank M.D. | DePaul Hospital

Program Ambassadors

  • Nancy Reagan | First Lady | US

  • Edwin E. Edwards | Governor - Louisiana

  • Harry Lee | Sheriff - Jefferson Parish

  • Alvin “Al” Copeland | Popeyes

  • John Lawn | Administrator | DEA

  • Lindy Boggs | US Congresswoman

  • Billy Tauzin | U.S. Congressman

  • Robert Livingston | U.S. Congressman

  • Frank S. Marullo | District Judge

  • Sidney Barthelemy | Mayor of New Orleans

Expert Testimonials

“The Cajun Critters & Kids “Just Say No” Drug Education program for school-aged children is a fresh, exciting, clever, as well as and educationally sound effort to reach students at an age when a critical decision will be made, which will affect the rest of their lives. It uses entertaining devices and techniques, sound educational principles and methods and involves students in a fashion to prompt drug-free living”.

Ashton Brisolara, M. EDExecutive Director, Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse

“The Critters & Kids “Just Say No” program is a creative and unique approach to teaching youngsters about the dangers of drug misuse.  It is comprehensive and demonstrates a thorough knowledge of effective teaching techniques and learning styles.  This program not only provides an entertaining show but the pre and post-performance classroom activities demonstrate a clear understanding of the learning process.  Learning takes time, and “One Shot” programs are classically ineffectual.  This program is completely packaged to maximize the exposure young people will receive to the anti-drug message.”

Dr. Earl H. Patterson | Ph. D. Child Psychiatry
Tulane University

“The program has the continuity with the things going on in the community, and I think that the important thing is the program is designed to reach younger children and begin to stamp their consciousness at an impressionable age of the extreme dangers of the use of drugs. Philosophically and educationally, the program is sound. Not only will it not bore children but will positively entertain them”.

Dr. William R. Sorum, M.D. | Independent Substance Abuse Consultant

“The simplicity of the story was developmentally appropriate for the target audiences.  The costumes and scenery combined to project a clear and simple atmosphere of neighborhood warmth reminiscent of Sesame Street.  The children observed responded spontaneously throughout the production, aligning themselves with the positive role models and behavior presented.  Overall, we found the character development to be well rounded and clearly defined, which resulted in strong audience identification with both characters and message”.

Cathy Sanderson, MA, ART | Director E.R.A. Department, River Oaks Private Psychiatric Hospital— Quote Source