Students describe ‘Escape the Vape’ campaign to Pasco school board, share videos and peer outreach

District staff and student leaders presented a student‑driven anti‑vaping initiative Tuesday, telling the school board that peer‑led work is central to the district’s prevention strategy.

Melissa Musselwhite introduced the district’s Escape the Vape effort and said the program partnered with Tobacco Free Florida and local SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) clubs to empower students to educate peers about vaping. Jonathan Chasen, senior supervisor of student support programs and services, described how the district supported student congress and SWAT activities this year.

Student speakers detailed local efforts. Kaley (Kaylee) Depaz, a three‑year SWAT club member at Wiregrass Ranch, described monthly outreach events and participatory activities used to inform peers. Nate (Nate) Finkel, president of his school’s club, said students produced a short film and ran a graphic‑design contest to broaden engagement. Two students from Angelina Academy of Innovation, Chloe and Quinn, summarized their school’s project, which combined student congress learnings with on‑site peer campaigns.

Jewel McNatton of Tobacco Free Florida and district staff praised student leadership and said the district will continue the work, integrating mental‑health and social‑media discussions next year. Board members thanked the students and staff for their presentations and applauded peer‑to‑peer messaging as an effective prevention tool.

The board did not take formal action on the presentations; staff said the program will continue into the following school year.