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United South students launch districtwide anti‑vaping campaign: monthly ‘Wear Blue’ days, pledge wall and PSA video
Summary
Students from United South High School’s superintendent advisory committee presented a peer‑led anti‑vaping campaign that the district plans to expand districtwide, including monthly 'Wear Blue' days and a PSA to be shown across schools.
Students from United South High School’s Superintendent Advisory Committee presented an anti‑vaping campaign at the United ISD board workshop, and district staff said they will expand the effort districtwide and support student testimony at the state level.
"We are here representing the USHS Superintendent Advisory Committee ... We are going to present a presentation on anti vaping," student presenter Jen Opequeno said before outlining causes, steps taken and planned expansion.
The students said teens vape for curiosity and peer pressure, for advertised flavors and because of stress and nicotine addiction. Their campaign includes a districtwide pledge wall, a PSA video produced with UISD staff, a monthly "Wear Blue" day on the 10th of each month to symbolize good choices, and a planned anti‑vaping walkathon to involve multiple campuses.
Associate Superintendent Rebecca Morales introduced the student presenters and described the district's decision to include student voice in anti‑vaping outreach. Morales told trustees that the district’s anti‑vaping task force includes district, city, county and law‑enforcement partners and said the student presentation was included at the TASA Midwinter Conference to show other districts how to incorporate student engagement.
Students said they have presented to Telemundo and at an anti‑vaping task force and that the PSA will be showcased throughout all UISD schools. "Ask yourself, is a temporary escape worth risking your health and happiness? Choose a vape‑free life and a better future," one presenter said in the PSA portion of the presentation.
Board members applauded the students. One trustee noted the district plans to help students present in Austin and to coordinate with local governments and other districts for larger community outreach.
District staff said the Wear Blue campaign starts in February and that the flyer and materials will be posted on district social media and shared with principals to make the campaign districtwide.
