Carthage R-9 officials seem keen in joining scores of other Missouri school districts in embracing the popular Smokebusters program, according to Project Smokebusters outreach coordinator Jo Thompson.
Thompson briefly spoke Tuesday during the most recent Carthage Caring Communities Coalition meeting about “recruiting” Carthage High School as the latest school to adopt the program.
Project Smokebusters, by the way, is a Missouri-wide, three-year program promoting tobacco-free environments by decreasing exposure to second-hand smoke as well as reducing tobacco initiation and use among young people, particularly those in high school.
She was invited to speak to the group by T.J. Teed of Smoke Free Carthage.
The show is unique in that the students themselves make all involvement and all decision-making. In the end, who better to speak to students, to get certain points across, than fellow students?
“We use high school youth to educate and advocate about the dangers of tobacco use and dangers of secondhand smoke,” Thompson said.
Various Missouri universities sponsor various school districts. Thompson, who represents the Springfield-based Missouri State University, includes schools in the districts based out of Cassville and fellow Central Ozark Conference schools in Bolivar, Buffalo and Willard.
An identical program based out of the Missouri Southern State University campus includes high schools out of Jasper, Carl Junction, Sarcoxie, McAuley and Seneca, among others.
Student requirements include a classroom-based activity, a school presentation and a second presentation that includes the public.
The program, she said, “is not anti-smoking, it’s not a ban of smoking, we really want to talk about the health of everyone — protecting one’s health.”
Working with youth, Thompson continued, “is a great opportunity. For them to be involved in all the various levels — decision-making, leadership, etc. — and the confidence I see in these kids year after year is amazing to see.”
