Abstinence speaker Keith Deltano had an important message for seventh-and eighth grade student in the gymnasium at Marco Island Charter Middle School Tuesday afternoon.

There are things that are good in life that are bad in certain situations,” Deltano said, referring to sexual intercourse. Deltano uses comedy and invokes audience participation to get a serious message about sex across to students. Toward the end of his chat, the entire school chanted, “It’s not what I want for my future.” The U.S. Army veteran, a father of three and a former teacher, explained to students the importance of delaying sexual activity.

Deltano said his message of abstinence also can be applied to alcohol and drug use.“When it comes to your body, you’ve got to get an attitude.” He said. “It’s about time people start being proud about making the right decision.” Deltano shared the story of the birth of his firstborn son and expressed the importance of being there for his wife. “I was there for her,” he said. “If was a wonderful experience. A beautiful thing.”

Deltano said one in four sexually active kids will get a sexually transmitted disease and that 11 percent of girls will get pregnant before they are high school seniors. According to Deltano, today’s culture pushes sex, but often leaves out the consequences –pregnancy and disease. Kids, when growing up, can get a sense of invincibility, Deltano said. The risk is there, but it becomes rationalized. “You’re aware of it, but you think it won’tbe you,” he said. Part of you thinks it’ll never happen.” Deltano compared the success rate to a test score or the weather. Most people would be satisfied with 90 percent on a math test and expect a sunny day if the weather report said there was a 10 percent chance of rain. Deltano urged the students not to buy into the safe sex philosophy. “Safe sex is everywhere, “he said. “But what about the failure rates?” Often the failure rates are based on a one-time use of the contraceptive product, Deltano said. “There is nothing out there that has a 100 percent success rate, “Deltano told the students, “Virginity never fails.”

Takes guts to wait
Many people equate sex to toughness in men, Deltano said. For him, toughness is achieved when a guy is responsible and mature enough to be a father. It takes more guts to not do it,” he said. “Sex is going to be there; it’s not like it’s going out of style.”

Deltano appeared as part of the school’s Project Reality curriculum. For more on his message, visit virginityrock.com