The Statehouse… it’s always one of my favorite places to go with students. This year’s Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Day on February 15 was no different. Fifteen students from Hazen Union High School’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) group traveled by bus with fourteen Peoples Academy students to share how they are working to make their schools and communities a better place.
After a tour of the statehouse, Dave Yacavone greeted both groups of students during their lunch sharing the important role the Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey has in helping to define where legislators focus many of their efforts. Students from both schools use the survey to look at risks impacting students and make action plans to improve student wellness and success.
The Hazen students then met with Senators Jane Kitchel, Joe Benning (Senator Benning stepped out of his immigration committee work to greet the students), and Rich Westman and Representative Chip Troiano in the Appropriations Room. Later that afternoon Senator Westman, from Lamoille, met with the Peoples Academy students. A big thanks to each of our legislators for taking time out of their busy schedules to connect with the students on a personal level. Some of the conversation included the important role of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (http://healthvermont.gov/stats/surveys), the students concerns at their schools, upcoming marijuana legislation and the students’ thoughts.
Senator Kitchel admired the ambition of the Hazen students who happened to all be girls, but also wondered where all the guys were? She sees a real need for our young men to step up and join the ladies to be a voice for what’s right with their peers. If Hazen boys would like to accept this challenge and get involved, they should see Mr. Clark. (Note: There are a few male students who are members of SADD at Hazen, but the group is predominantly female.) When asked why they are a part of SADD one student shared, “We get to help each other out, with SADD we can volunteer, educate, and find ways to help our community.”
Senator 
Westman shared these words with the students, “It’s important to feel safe to do well. I’m proud of you. The hardest thing to do is to stand up for what’s right.”
The day was organized by Prevention Works VT, a Coalition of Prevention Organizations in Vermont. Healthy Lamoille Valley, through a Regional Prevention Partnership grant from the Vermont Department of Health, provided transportation to the event. To find out more about Lamoille Valley Legislators visit: https://www.healthylamoillevalley.org/wp-content/uploads/Lamoille-Area-Legislators-2017_2018.pdf