In December 2016, The Barron County Community Coalition sponsored an event for over 600 high school students in the County. Presenter, Sergeant Jim Gerhardt, shared insight with the students about the reality of marijuana use, legalization, and unanticipated societal impacts based on his law enforcement experience in Colorado.
After this event, Sergeant Gerhardt presented students with a challenge to create a logo and campaign promoting a drug free life. Teams of high school students from Barron, Cameron, Prairie Farm, and Turtle Lake rose to the occasion and entered the challenge sponsored by the Coalition.
Students created drug free messages and shared them through videos, stickers, bracelets, social media, school assemblies, and other activities. These young leaders worked hard to promote their campaigns to peers and community members alike.
- Barron High School ”Put Down the Weed, Do a Good Deed”
- Cameron High School “If you use, you could lose”
- Prairie Farm: “Choose Your Accessory, Keep Off the Grass”
- Turtle Lake: “No Time for Drugs”
On April 19th the teams presented their original logo, campaign, and outreach initiatives to a panel of community judges. Member of the panel were: Judge Michael Bitney, Judge Maureen D. Boyle, Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald, WI State Trooper Jodi Kummet, and WJMC News Director Michael J. Duncan. The panel was highly impressed with the creativity, hard work, and initiative demonstrated by all four teams.
“Peer to peer education and community outreach conducted by young people has the power to impact significant positive change. The Barron County Community Coalition is incredibly impressed by the work of these student leaders” states Prevention Specialist, Sarah Turner. “These young people are making a big difference in the schools and communities where they live, work, and play.”
Turtle Lake High School was the overall winner of the Barron County Community Coalition Youth Campaign Challenge. Their memorable message “No Time for Drugs” was shared throughout their student body and community in a variety of ways. Using this message, they also created a video which can be viewed on the School District of Turtle Lake’s Facebook Page.
Cameron High School was the winner of the logo challenge. Their slogan “If you use, you could lose” addressed how youth misuse of marijuana could negatively impact different elements of their life, including: grades, eligibility to play sports, employment, and relationships with family and friends.
“These four teams made their schools and communities proud,” stated Deputy Dave Kuffel of the Barron County Sheriff’s Department. “Congratulations to Turtle Lake and Cameron on their winning entries. We hope this challenge will continue to grow and promote student led drug-free initiatives throughout Barron County.”
To view videos of the winning teams receiving their awards, visit the Barron County Community Coalition Facebook page.
Last Update: Apr 24, 2017 2:49 pm CDT
