Henry County officials are being proactive when it comes to student drug use.

They are now requiring random drug testing for any students wishing to participate in extracurricular activities.

It’s the way of the future: school systems requiring all students participating in extracurricular activates to sign up for random drug testing.

Henry County Schools Superintendent Dennis Coe said, "We looked at it as a way that we could offer random drug testing, that we could offer a chance for our students to say no to the peer pressure they may have to take drugs."

Henry County is one of the most recent school systems to adopt a drug testing policy.

Coe said, "Up to this, point we've tested 200 students and had one positive test. The student was an athlete, [who] showed remorse and this turned out to be a positive thing for the kid and the parents."

Any student who tests positive is benched for two weeks, required to seek counseling and must attend an AA meeting.

Most students are indifferent about the program.

Abbeville High Athlete Preston Horn said, "Saying no to drugs is the best thing to do if you wanna’ play sports because either way, if you wanna’ play in college you are going to have to take the test anyway."

Abbeville High Athlete Raven Grubbs said, "When I first heard we were going to be drug testing here, I didn't think it was a big deal cause’ I don't do drugs. Some people were iffy about it, but that's just them."

And, despite the possibility of losing some players because of the test, coaches are behind the program.

Abbeville Head Football Coach Alphus Shipman said, "We needed it because today's society, teenage drug use is getting out of control. I think the drug test holds the athletes accountable."

The drug testing program is made possible through funding from a renewable grant.

About 75 percent of students in Henry County high schools participate in extracurricular activities.