Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
The main goal of the Pocahontas County Youth Prevention Coalition is to help the community make healthy choices. In an effort to spread awareness throughout the county, Pocahontas County High School and homeschooled students installed 18 no vaping signs at public parks.
Last Sunday, the group’s president, Addyson Puffenbarger, secretary, Lillie Cassell, and treasurer, Colt Cassell, were joined by fellow members Kenzie Doss, Ahna Valach, Layla Highland and Brantlee Moore in installing signs in downtown Marlinton.
Assisting the students were coordinator Anna Cassell and parent volunteers Rhonda Puffenbarger, Bran-dy Moore, Brad Cassell and Kim Ballance.
President Puffenbarger explained that the group is not only focused on vaping, but all vices that are bad for your health, including smoking, alcohol and drugs.
“We spread the word about how to be above the influence,” she said. “We don’t want people to go down the rabbit hole. We want to help them make healthier life choices.”
Secretary Cassell added that the group chose no vaping signs because vaping is more common now among all age groups.
Coordinator Cassell said Pocahontas County Parks and Recreation helped install the signs in locations at parks where smoking is not allowed.
“All together we put up eighteen signs as an environmental strategy,” she said. “Our mission is to be a positive influence in the community by showing how to live a healthy life and be the best version of yourself. We also want to help break communication barriers between adults and the youth in our county.”
The signs are installed at the Community Wellness Center, Stillwell Park, East Cass Park, Widney Park, Marlinton Mini Park, Discovery Junction and Linwood Alive! The project was funded by a grant from Community Connections, Inc.
Cassell said the group is open to new members from sixth through 12th grades, including homeschooled students. The group meets the last Tuesday of each month at the Pocahontas County Family Resource Network office on Second Avenue in Marlinton.
