From left, Jetta Hughes, Diego Gonzales, Chris Marquez and Melanie Quintana-Baca, of Tippecanoe Valley High School, pose at the Statehouse during a trip to advocate for tobacco-free communities. Photo provided by Live Well Kosciusko.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — On Feb. 12, students from Tippecanoe Valley High School traveled to the Indiana Statehouse to speak up for a healthier, tobacco-free future.

Led by health teacher Mallory Eaton and Austin Rhodes from Live Well Kosciusko, the students joined more than 380 others from across the state to meet with lawmakers and share why they believe in tobacco-free communities.

As members of the Voice program, the students work to help their friends and classmates avoid smoking and vaping. At the Statehouse, they met Sen. Ryan Mishler of Indiana District 9 and talked about ways to keep young people from being targeted by the tobacco industry. They also shared ideas for stopping the sale of flavored tobacco products, which are often marketed to kids and teens.

Sen. Ryan Mishler, left, talked with the Tippecanoe Valley students visiting the Statehouse. Photo provided by Live Well Kosciusko.

“I think what stood out was getting to talk to Sen. Mishler,” said student Chris Marquez. “I appreciate that he took time out of his day to talk to us. It feels like Voice is getting out there and growing.”

“It was really inspiring to see a bunch of other people who believe in the same things we do on that day,” said student Emily Seaberg.

During the visit, Tippecanoe Valley student Colton Crabb helped lead a youth training session with other students from across Indiana.

“The passion shown on our day of advocacy was truly inspiring,” said Crabb. “Seeing the work that all the VYA [Voice youth ambassador] members have put into this project prosper is amazing to see.”

The trip gave the students a chance to see how laws are made and how their voices can make a difference.

Voice students will next take part in an Arts Commission Project, where they will share their stories and thoughts on tobacco through creative expression. All forms of art are welcome, including poetry, paintings, drawings, graphic designs, songs, and more, allowing students to use their creativity to make an impact. If you are a Kosciusko County student and interested in creating a work of art for this project, you can submit it to: [email protected].

Colton Crabb, a senior at Tippy Valley High School and statewide Voice leader, helped to lead a youth training session at the event in Indianapolis. Photo provided by Live Well Kosciusko.