ROYAL CITY — Washington Drug Free Youth Program Director Randy Miller reports that the program that started hot last year in the Royal School District has gotten off to a slower start this year.

So far, 50 Royal High students and 40 Royal Middle School students have signed up. Last year ended with 180 enrollees, and Miller was projecting 300 for this year.

“A little low on numbers for this time of the year, but I hope it will pick up when we start doing official testing soon,” Miller said.

Funding, which is asked of the community, is still needed for shirts and other costs. The teachers have steppe up and made some weekly drawing prizes.

Susan Piercy made some chocolate cupcakes. Other teachers will be in line soon to support the cause.

“This program is vital to the health of the students,” Miller said. “This is a program that rewards students for making correct decisions when it come so drugs of all kinds. Just a small amount of support could keep students for falling into our high statistics in drug use.”