The Boothbay Region Student Health Advisory Board recently attended a Maine Youth Action Conference, where they took first place for their public service announcement about the effect of tobacco smoking on young teens.

There were three categories for the contest. They included: “Why I Don’t Smoke,” “The Power of ME” (what is being done by Maine kids to educate against smoking), and “The Other Effects” (looking at smoking from a different angle to reach people who haven’t gotten the message yet).

“Their public service announcement is a dynamic presentation fitting into the third category: ‘The Other Effects.’ Their video combines attention-grabbing facts and information with moving stories about the effect tobacco has had on their lives and their families,” according to the Maine Youth Action Network.

The Boothbay Region Student Health Advisory Board showed the video at the 2013 Maine Youth Leadership Summit held by the Maine Youth Action Network, December 9 and 10 at the Augusta Civic Center.

“The students ran the presentation themselves, and did all the video work,” said Anne Barker, family nurse practitioner at the student health center, and faculty adviser. “It wasn't until we were at the conference that we found out there was a competition.”

The Boothbay Region Student Health Advisory Board was formed as a requirement for a grant, which gave students a voice in making health decisions for the school. Once the grant process was over, it was decided to continue the group as, according to Barker “it is such a great concept.”

The Boothbay Region Student Health Advisory Board is made up of students who care about promoting a healthy way of life. Faculty advisers include Kate Winslow, office assistant at the student health center, Anne Barker, and Tammy Blackman, the school social worker.

Currently, the students are working on planning wellness day at the school. One student, freshman Noah Sherbune, has continued the groups work against smoking by creating graphic designs against smoking. Other students are participating in giving “stars” to local businesses who keep tobacco-related products out of sight for young children and away from things that attract their attention, like candy.

The students are more than a group of health advocates, they are also a group of friends. Meetings are high-energy, with healthy snacks like veggies and water available for the students. Even with the important work the students get done, they still find time to have fun with each other.

“We might all be misfits,” said eighth grader Lil Sherburne, “but we all come together and work well.”