News and Events
The Tobacco Free Partnership Honors Local SWAT Leaders
June 5, 2024
The Tobacco Free Partnership held its quarterly meeting on June 5th, 2024, and were delighted to welcome two of our graduating SWAT club seniors. The TFP honored them for their outstanding advocacy for a tobacco-free lifestyle and their academic achievements.
Noelia Reyas, who graduated from Lake Placid High School at the end of May, has been a dedicated member of the Highlands County Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Chapter since the 7th grade. When asked why she is committed to being tobacco-free, she shared that she understands the harmful effects and cannot imagine putting something like that into her lungs. Noelia plans to attend South Florida State College and eventually earn a degree in Biology.
Ryan Baker, who also recently graduated from Sebring High School, joined SWAT as a transplant student a year and a half ago. He said he wanted to get involved because smoking and vaping are prevalent in his family, and he aims to educate others to avoid becoming part of the statistics. Ryan plans to attend a university in Utah, major in music, and ultimately become a choir teacher.
For those unfamiliar with the Students Working Against Tobacco program, it is Florida's statewide youth initiative aimed at mobilizing, educating, and empowering young people to resist and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. SWAT is a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco-free future. The organization strives to change the social norms associated with tobacco, making it less desirable, less acceptable, and less accessible.
SWAT youth achieve this by advocating for local policy changes that impact tobacco marketing, sales, and usage. Members typically engage in a variety of activities, including community education and outreach, public speaking, data collection, and media advocacy.
For more information about SWAT in Highlands County, please contact Amanda at ajohn@quitdoc.com.
