The students, teachers and administrative staff of Demopolis High School are teaming with Tombigbee Healthcare Authority’s TEMPO Project to increase the community’s awareness of the harmful efforts of tobacco use and second-hand smoke by observing a National Tobacco Prevention Event – Kick Butts Day.

Kick Butts Day, is a national event started in September 1995 by The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, also known as the National Center for Tobacco-Free Kids. The one-day event takes place every year on or around the first Wednesday of April. This year, Kick Butts Day will take place on Wednesday, March 25. The purpose of the event is to mobilize America’s youth to stand up, to be vocal and to take control in the fight against big tobacco.

This year, residents of Marengo County will join together to help empower the community to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco with a fun and educational event – A “Number Campaign.” During this campaign, students will collect shoes to visually show the community: (a) the number of tobacco-related deaths seen in Marengo County last year; (b) the number of expected tobacco related deaths this year; and (c) the number of youth at risk of becoming first-time smokers.

Richard Carmona, surgeon general, says that smoking rates among teens and adults could be cut in half within the decade if the nation would fully implement anti-smoking programs using effective approaches that are already available.

The “Number Campaign” event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at Demopolis High School.

Residents from all over Marengo County are asked to donate unwanted shoes for this event. Shoes can be dropped off at Demopolis High School between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the big bins located inside the school’s front lobby.

Students wishing to receive credit for their participation must sign-in with the YEP! student working at the bins. A YEP! student will be placed at the bins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25. After the event, unclaimed shoes will be donated to the Salvation Army.

– from staff reports