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Students recognized for anti-vaping art; Fremont group presents at Statehouse
Summary
Fremont Ross students were recognized by Representative Gary Klick and district staff for anti-vaping artwork that was shown at a local event and at the Statehouse; health educators and teachers worked with students on photography and sculpture projects used for prevention advocacy.
Fremont Ross students were honored Wednesday for artwork addressing vaping, and Representative Gary Klick presented commendations on behalf of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Why it matters: Student art was used as an advocacy tool in local prevention events and at a state-level prevention conference, giving youth a platform to speak about vaping and prevention to adults and legislators.
Representative Gary Klick told the board he accepted the invitation to recognize students “because I am so proud of you” and read a commendation that praised students for standing up against vaping and using art to raise awareness. Klick said, “You have stood up against vaping, an epidemic that plagues many Americans,” and commended students for using art to influence peers.
The superintendent and staff described the project as a collaboration between high-school photography instructor Bradley Scherzer and the Sandusky County Health Department. Jamie Belcher, a Sandusky County Health Department educator who attended the meeting, said the students were invited to present at the Prevention Action Alliance Advocacy Day at the Statehouse on April 15 and were one of two youth groups asked to present. Belcher said the students “were personally invited because the individuals who work at Prevention Action Alliance had seen their work and heard about it.”
District staff said the student artwork was part of a larger exhibit that had been displayed at a local SPOOKTACULAR event and that students presented in Columbus at a prevention partnership conference in a panel format.
Discussion vs. decision: This agenda item was a recognition and did not require formal board action. Board members and the superintendent praised the students and the staff who supported the project.
End note: Staff and board members encouraged the students to continue using their voices and thanked Representative Klick and Sandusky County Health Department staff for the partnership.
