HENRY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Susan Burton
Communications Director
Paris, TN - Henry County High School students, Greyson Crawford, Isabella Robbins, Ellanore Simmons and Piper Miles attended the CADCA National Forum in Washington, D. C. in January. The conference provides leadership training focusing on preventing substance abuse and the trip was sponsored by the Henry County Prevention Coalition (HCPC). According to HCPC Director, Darrah Crawford, “These young advocates participated in workshops, engaged with experts, and learned valuable skills to strengthen their efforts in drug, vaping, and alcohol abuse prevention.”
Jamie Miles, HCPC Project Specialist shared, “During their time in the nation’s capital, the students not only gained knowledge but also had the chance to meet with U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn to discuss real solutions for keeping their peers and community safe. Their dedication to making a difference highlights the power of youth voices in prevention efforts.”
The HCHS student attendees are in a group called Henry County Youth Prevention Empowerment or HYPE, for short. “The seminars helped us bring something back to the community to prevent substance abuse. We want to invite other students to join us, to get involved in planning safe and drug-free events for students in grades 6-12,” says Vice President Izzy Robbins.
The group meets at the Henry County Health Department each month to plan activities for their peers. HYPE President, Greyson Crawford, says their most popular event was Friday Night Done Right at the Paris Civic Center where approximately sixty students in grades 6-12 attended and played basketball, volleyball, and other games while also enjoying snacks provided by the Coalition. “We’re having a March Madness themed event on March 14 at Fairview Baptist Church and we can play basketball, eat snacks, and just hang out.”
Henry County Schools have partnered with the Henry County Prevention Coalition since their inception in 2012, when it was formerly known as the Safe and Drug-Free Task Force. The school system supports their vision to address and reduce problems associated with alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and other harmful behaviors in the community.
Photo by Susan Burton: Greyson Crawford and Isabella “Izzy” Robbins hang a flyer at the high school advertising the next Friday Night Done Right event.
Group photo by Jamie Miles: Left to Right: Greyson Crawford, Isabella “Izzy” Robbins, Levin Crawford, Emery Miles, Piper Miles, Ellanore Simmons.
