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Countywide Youth Multi-media Anti Smoking Contest Launched at McCluer S.-Berkeley High School
Principal and Special Guests. Principal Karen Collins is embraced by MSB’s celebrity guests, St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan, following their talk with MSB students.
The Saint Louis County Department of Health (DOH), St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals and Better Family Life, joined forces at a school assembly held at McCluer South-Berkeley High School last week to launch the AirO2Dynamic anti-tobacco movement. About 200 students attended the rally.
Karen Collins, principal of McCluer South-Berkeley High School (MSB), said she was pleased to partner with the DOH and other community groups to help spread the word among youth about the dangers of tobacco use.
“We all know that tobacco related causes of death are preventable, so if AirO2Dynamic can touch our students here at McCluer South-Berkeley and across the county with that message and equip them to make better health decisions, we are making a difference,” she said.
AirO2Dynamic is the youth component of Let’s Face It, an initiative of the DOH that includes youth leaders from schools across the county.
McCluer junior Victor Jordan, who’s stage name is Young Prince, performed “Let’s get it Crackin’” alongside Fredbird.
AirO2Dynamic’s mission is to make St. Louis County a healthier place for kids by raising awareness about the real dangers of tobacco, educating youth and giving them the tools they need to fight tobacco industry marketing, and helping them get involved with organizations that promote healthy living.
During the assembly, AirO2Dynamic challenged youth to participate in a multi-media contest and creatively share anti-tobacco messages in video, photography, digital art and poetry/lyric entries.
The contest’s theme is “Share the Truth about Tobacco.” Students interested in entering the contest should show the impact of tobacco on their life, community or demonstrate the impact of tobacco marketing on young people.
Students may enter as many times — and in as many categories — as they like. The submission deadline is Oct. 31. The DOH will announce winners in December. Prizes include an iPad, iPod nano or digital camcorder. Full contest rules are available at HYPERLINK “http://www.letsfaceitstl.com” youth.letsfaceitstl.com.
St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman and St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan delivered a single message to youth who attended the assembly: don’t use tobacco.
“Each one of us can tell a story about how tobacco has impacted our lives negatively,” said Jackman. “But you can make the decision now that tobacco is not ever going to have control over you.”
“St. Louis is where I grew up, it’s where I’ve made my home, and it’s a place I really care about,” said McClellan, a Florissant native and Hazelwood West graduate. “You may not realize it, but your choice not to use tobacco makes our community better. You have a very important part to play in keeping St. Louis strong, healthy, and tobacco-free.”
