News and Events
Partner Spotlight: Nicole Radonski, School Board Member, Educator, and Advocate for Tobacco-Free Youth
June 12, 2025
This quarter, Tobacco Free Highlands County is proud to spotlight one of our valued partnership members - Nicole Radonski. Nicole is a longtime Highlands County resident, seasoned educator, devoted mom, and current School Board Member for District 5. Nicole brings both heart and experience to the table. With 17 years of teaching in the Highlands County School District and a background that includes Teacher of the Year honors and leadership training, she has seen firsthand the challenges facing today’s youth—including the rising normalization of teen vaping.
Nicole recently shared her insights with us in a Q&A format for our newsletter:
Q: As a mom, what concerns you most about the rise in teen vaping?
A: As a mother of teens myself, the normalcy in vaping among teens troubles me the most. There tends to be a lack of concern or understanding of the dangers in vaping among many teens. I also think it is very easy for them to access vapes, which contributes to the rise in their use.
Q: In your role as a school board member, what efforts have you seen, or would like to see, implemented to address vaping in schools?
A: Since I have been on the board, our district has installed Vape Detectors in the high traffic bathrooms in our secondary schools. We also took part in a class action lawsuit which allowed our district to take legal action against the active advertisement of vaping and other drug use on teens. Depending on the severity of the offense and the contents of the vape, students who choose to possess/distribute/purchase/use vapes on campus can receive enrollment in the Tobacco Prevention Program course, all the way up to expulsion. I would still like to see more involvement from the caregivers, as a consequence when students violate our Code of Conduct on this. Oftentimes, students are getting the vapes from home or see family members vaping. So, I believe that until we involve, educate, and sometimes inconvenience the family of the teens, we may not see lasting change in their behavior.
Q: Why is being involved in the Tobacco Free Partnership important to you personally and professionally?
A: I have always had a passion for living a healthy life and helping others, especially children to learn to do the same. I know that teens are impressionable and are being fed so many lies, via social media these days. Working with the Tobacco Free Partnership is a way to do my part in being solution driven to fight against this.
Q: How can parents and schools work together more effectively to prevent youth nicotine use?
A: Finding ways to educate caregivers is extremely important. I am always in support of parent nights, social media posts, or quick informational videos to help parents understand the rise in vaping among teens and how it can affect their lives.
Q: What gives you hope when it comes to protecting the next generation from tobacco and vaping?
A: While I do believe vaping and tobacco use has grown, I also know that there are many teens that understand the negative effects and choose to stay away. I am hopeful that many of today's teens are confident in who they are and what they believe in, and will stand firm on their convictions. I trust that with proper prevention education, we can make a positive impact on those who choose to listen!
We are grateful to have Nicole as a strong, compassionate voice helping shape a healthier future for Highlands County youth.
Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Highlands County Engineering Department, Sebring, Florida. All are welcome—we’d love to have you at the table as we work together for a healthier, tobacco-free community.
