WS Chronicle

Photo by Tevin Stinson

BY TEVIN STINSON

THE CHRONICLE 

More than 300 students from schools across the county “kicked butts” last week when they celebrated National Kick Butts day inside the Fairground Education Building.

Kick Butts Day is a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against tobacco companies that use images of teenagers in their ads to increase sales.

Although the United States has made great strides in the fight against youth tobacco use every day, more than 3,000 youth under age 18 try smoking for the first time and 700 youth become daily smokers.

Here in Winston-Salem, the fight against teen tobacco use is headed by a collection of organizations known as “No’Bacco.”

Headed by the Forsyth County Youth Tobacco Prevention Collaborative, other members of the “No’Bacco” team include the United Way of Forsyth County, Novant Medical Center, Wake Forest Baptist Health, the Forsyth County Department of Public Safety and local YMCA branches. According to a press release, middle school and high school students work with representatives from “No’Bacco” to form clubs that raise awareness about tobacco products and usage at school and at home.

During the celebration held last Wednesday, March 15, students had the opportunity to show off their projects that show the dangers of smoking. They also participated in various games, such as a relay race, push up contest and others to gain points for their schools, and hopefully the coveted trophy at the end of the event.

Wiley Middle School student Jordan Hynes said what he enjoyed most about the event is that it brought schools together for a good cause. He mentioned he has decided to stay tobacco- and drug-free because he knows it can hurt him in the future.

“I decided to say no to cigarettes and that type of stuff because I want to live a healthy life. Not smoking is a way I can do that, but I also try to eat healthy too.”

A number of parents stayed around to enjoy the festivities as well. While watching, her son test his jump shot at one of the games, April Hargrove said she was impressed by what she saw.

“It was very informative. It is important that the children learn at an early age about the dangers that are out there. We need more programs like this in the community,” she said. “We have to educate our youth because they are the future.”