Students from the Columbia High School TRU (Tobacco.Reality.Unfiltered.) Club joined thousands of teens from across the country who took part in Kick Butts Day (KBD) activities and events.  KBD is a nationwide initiative that empowers youth to raise awareness about tobacco use in their community, encourage youth to stay tobacco-free, and talk with elected officials to take action to protect kids from tobacco.  KBD is organized by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

As part of the KBD celebration, Columbia High School students performed a tobacco use prevention puppet play, to educate the third grade students at Tyrrell Elementary School about the health risks associated with tobacco use and the importance of saying no.

Every day, more than 2,800 kids try their first cigarettes; another 700 kids become addicted smokers.  While Kick Butts Day is officially held on one day each year, our hope is that every day will be Kick Butts Day.

“Our high school students are an important and effective factor to reducing tobacco use in our schools,” stated Columbia High School Counselor, Sarah Fox “I enjoy working with these teens and seeing them turn into leaders.”

For information about Kick Butts Day visit www.kickbuttsday.org.

 

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Columbia High School TRU Club members performed a puppet play for the Tyrrell Elementary School 3rd grade class in recognition of Kick Butts Day. The presentation focused on the health risks associated with tobacco use and promoted prevention.

 

Columbia High School TRU Club youth leaders (left to right) Reggeon Hicks, Ashante Spruill, and Jasmine Moore with Tyrrell Elementary School Counselor Barbara Rhodes, encourage Tyrrell Elementary School third graders to stay tobacco-free by signing this pledge banner in recognition of Kick Butts Day.