From left, Owego Free Academy YES LEADers Cassidy Horton, Mackenzie Anders, and Tierinee Howe practice the 10 Ways to Make Safe Choices with two Owego Elementary School students during their group’s YES LEADS presentations.
Fourteen YES LEADers from Owego Free Academy presented a program on the dangers of drugs and alcohol to Owego Elementary School and Owego Apalachin Middle School students.
YES LEADS is a peer-to-peer substance abuse prevention program run by YES Safe Choices, sponsored by Senator Akshar and Lourdes Hospital. YES trains high school and middle school LEADers, like those from Owego, to stand out as role models for younger students.
Earlier this year, YES LEADers attended two days of leadership training where they learned effective methods to engage younger students in relatable ways. Since many YES LEADers are leaders in their schools and local communities, younger students see them as role models and emulate the positive choices these students make to be drug and alcohol free.
At their presentations, YES LEADers demonstrate the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the importance of positive self-esteem by using hands-on activities to help younger students understand the impact the decisions they’ve made can have on everyday life. These activities are designed to teach students important skills to resist peer pressure and make safe choices.
Owego’s YES LEADers are also committed to helping their community. In addition to visiting classrooms, they participate in a variety of outreach activities, including hosting a Free Family Movie Night in the spring.
For more information on YES Safe Choices, visit www.YesSafeChoices.org.
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