On Oct. 25, former Godwin student and current Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Michael Tooley returned to Godwin to speak to geometry teacher Rob White’s classes.

Tooley graduated in 1999 and has stayed in contact with White since then.  The last four years he has made an annual visit to White’s classes.

After graduating from Godwin in 1999, Tooley attended Old Dominion University and majored in Criminal Justice.  He then worked for the Henrico County Police until 2006 when he became a special agent for the DEA.

Tooley comes back to Godwin every year in honor of Red Ribbon Week.  “The idea behind Red Ribbon Week is to speak to elementary, middle, and high school students about drugs in an effort to keep them off of drugs and to live positive lives,” said Tooley.  Drug awareness, the effects of drugs and alcohol, and the dangers of both drugs and alcohol were a few of the points Tooley stressed to the students.

Tooley has investigated drug dealers, conducted raids, and worked undercover for drug stings.  He has seen where a life of drugs and alcohol leads to, and is doing whatever he can to make the sure these habits do not begin at an early age.

Tooley provided the students with the example of a successful Godwin alumnus.  “Agent Tooley’s story is an inspirational one for students who are beginning to think about what might be possible for them professionally.  He’s managed to find a job he loves and one for which he uses his powers for good,” said White.