High school students attend
Kansas Youth Leadership Summit

A team of nine students and adults from Peabody-Burns High School’s Students Against Drunk Driving chapter took part Aug. 3 to 5 in the 13th annual Kansas Youth Leadership Summit at Rock Springs 4-H Center in Junction City.

The PBHS group joined more than 150 other students and adults for a conference focused on reducing underage alcohol and drug use and encouraging safety belt use and safe driving behavior among Kansas youth.

Attending from PBHS were Emma Charles, Christa Elliott, Kaden Gibson, Tracy Henry, Cody Navrat, Nick Preheim, Mackenzie Young, and sponsors Annette Elliott and Katie Fooshee.

“During the summit, our team created an action plan to address alcohol and drug use as well as to promote safety belt use and safe driving in our community,” Young said. “Attending KYLS motivated and trained us to serve as catalysts of positive change in our community.”

Through interactive sessions and skill-building activities, the students explored new ways to deal with critical issues facing teens and communities today, including alcohol and drug availability, perception of harm, community social norms, family attitudes, binge drinking, marijuana use, crash dynamics, and more.

“Our students are excited about working to change the climate in their school and community that focuses on students making better choices and parents becoming more informed about the dangers of alcohol and drug use,” Elliott said. “Part of their action plan includes sponsoring a membership drive to get more students involved in SADD and working on a mentoring program.”

Motivational speaker and author Bill Cordes led the summit. The students also heard a presentation from Topeka native Joe White, a young adult who suffered a traumatic brain injury because of underage drinking.

For more information about the PBHS team and action plan, contact Annette Elliott or Katie Fooshee at (620) 983-2196.