Vaping Video Presentation

The 2020-21 school year operated under pandemic conditions for the entire year, severely limiting the activities we could conduct through Help the Hills. Despite our limitations, the group consisted of 171 members who were all scheduled in one of four common studies. The main activity of the year came in the fall when students presented the annual "Why I Don't Drink" program to current freshman. Accountability groups were formed and maintained throughout the year as well.

The 2019-20 school year was a successful one despite the fact that COVID-19 cut the school year short as school was dismissed in mid-March for the rest of the year. The organization grew to 86 juniors and seniors. Most of the students were scheduled in the HTH study period where we could work together daily.

Video/Theme/T-shirts

In late summer, leadership of the HTHST created an informational video about HTH. They also chose a theme and t-shirt design for the year. The theme was “Three strands are not easily broken.” The video, which was posted on the HTHST website, explained that the three strands are leadership, accountability, and integrity.

World No Tobacco Day

During the summer, 6 students attended this planned event at the Library in the Forest to helped younger children learn about the perils of tobacco use through games.

One Rebel Party

Our One Rebel Event was canceled due to weather.

Community Night Out

We hosted a booth at Community Night Out where HTHST members did face painting for children.

Red Ribbon Week at Cahaba Heights

Students went to Vestavia Hills Elementary Cahaba Heights to conduct the Marigold Effect activity for Red Ribbon Week as requested by the counselor.

UAB Speakers at HTH about Vaping

Expert doctors from UAB spoke to the team during the study on the topic of vaping. Abigail Demler also presented and conducted a survey.

Anti-Vaping In-Person Presentation (NEW)

This presentation was the most powerful and effective of the year. After much research and training, HTH students presented in small groups to all 8^th graders at LPMS and all 7^th and 8^th graders at PMS.

Anti-Vaping Video Presentation (NEW)

After the in-person presentations took place, we recorded the presentation and posted on several sites so that all students and parents could access.

8th Grade Talks

October 1 – Vaping Talks

January 27 - Academics

February 18 - Activities Fair

Why I Don’t Drink – canceled due to COVID-19

The concept of the 8^th Grade Talks is to build relationships with 8^th graders through a series of meetings in order to have a positive impact on them. The first meeting took place in October (and included 7^th graders at PMS as well) where students presented a powerful presentation on the truth about vaping. The Team went to each middle school in groups that met with each homeroom. They did this in mixed gender pairs per each homeroom so the setting was small and intimate.

The next “talk” took place in January when HTHST shared tips on how to achieve academic success. In February, the students held an Activities Fair in conjunction with the 8^th Grade Curriculum Fair. Each HTHST member held a sign with their name and activities. The 8^th graders were allowed to freely roam the gym to find someone who participated in something of interest to them and ask questions.

The final planned day was cancelled due to COVID-19. Our intent is to make this presentation to this grade next fall at the 9^th grade school.

Accountability Groups

This was the first year of required Accountability Groups for every member. We asked students to consider their natural circle of influence and invite friends to join them in commitment and support to each other to abstain from all substance use. As sponsors, we never ask who is in the group, we simply ask for a number. This year, in addition to our official HTHST members, 206 students were a part of these groups. This reflects our growing impact in the school.

HTHST in the News

This year, Vestavia Hills Magazine featured an article about the HTHST as did the Vestavia Voice.

Submitted by Kym Prewitt, HTHST Sponsor on May 20, 2020

The Help the Hills Student Team was comprised of a diverse group of 80 students from grades 11 and 12 who were all committed to abstaining from alcohol and drugs.

HTHST Study Period

This year for the first time, the HTHST was scheduled as a half-period class. Scheduling students to have a daily meeting time was extremely beneficial for both planning and accountability. Although there were a few conflicts which prohibited every student from being in the class, most were able to take it.

One Rebel Party

Our One Rebel Event was another tremendous success. It was held on October 5 after a home high school football game. We had approximately 350 students present from both middle schools. One of our students was the DJ; everyone danced and had a great time.

First Accountability Group Formed

In September, a team member had an idea about forming a small accountability group with a few younger high school students who played his same sport. These students actually came to the team member to ask to be held accountable. They wanted the structure and a reason not to drink. The boys formed a strong bond, meeting weekly during lunch and keeping up with each other through texting on the weekends. This idea was very successful and will be the model for next year for the entire group.

Suicide Prevention Workshop

September 25 – The HTHST provided 8 workers at a local informational meeting for parents about suicide prevention.

Community Night Out

October 2 - The HTHST hosted a booth at Community Night Out where they did face painting for children.

8th Grade Talks

Following the 1Rebel Party, the HTHST conducted a series of “talks” with every 8^th grade in the system through classroom meetings. The concept is to build relationships with the 8^th graders through a series of meetings in order to have a positive impact on them.

Early February – Academic Talks

These presentations were held in conjunction with course selection. Team members shared tips on how to achieve academic success. The 8^th grade students were encouraged to ask questions openly.

Late February - 8^th Grade Curriculum Fair/Activities Fair

The Activities Fair took place this year in the old gym at VHHS following the curriculum fair. Over 400 8^th graders were present along with the entire HTHST. Each HTHST member held a sign with their name and activities. The 8^th graders were allowed to freely roam the gym to find someone who participated in something of interest to them and ask questions. Nearly every activity in offered at VHHS was represented.

March – Student Life Talks

Students returned to each school eating lunch with the 8^th graders before sharing during the homeroom period. They shared about the struggles and joys of student life at VHHS. They touched on topics including social media, vaping, finding your place, and coping with stress.

April – “Why I Don’t Drink”

April was the “big talk” about drugs and alcohol. The Pizitz Team returned to Pizitz and the LP Team returned to LP, each presenting speeches in a morning assembly of all 8^th graders during 1^st period. Each presentation included twelve students sharing their stories of why they don’t drink and challenging the students to follow suit. Some stories included family tragedies while others simply talked about reputation, athletic performance, and honoring parents. Both days were very powerful as the team members spoke from the heart.

Other Activities

· October – Team members were the DJs for the LPMS party.

· HTH Table/YLVH Table at the 8^th Grade Fair: This year, these two tables were next to each other at this event for 8^th graders and their parents.

· Guest speaker during class on Vaping.

· Students worked a Vaping Workshop for younger students at the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.

One Rebel Party

Our One Rebel Event was a tremendous success. It was held on September 15 after the Oak Mountain football game. We had approximately 300-350 students present from both middle schools. One of our students was the DJ; everyone danced and had a great time.

Community Night Out

We hosted a booth at Community Night Out where we did face painting for kids.

Speakers Bureau

Senior Speaker’s Bureau attended numerous civic meetings to spread the word about who we are as an organization and what our mission is. Seniors presented to the Chamber Board, the LVH Board, PTO Council, the Foundation Board, the Board of Education, and a Chamber Luncheon.

Freshmen Advisory Mentors

HTH students attended the freshmen studies in teams of two weekly to establish relationships with them in order to be a positive influence throughout the year. We received excellent feedback form those teachers but had mixed reviews from our students. We will re-evaluate for next year.

5^th Quarter

HTHST members attended a 5^th Quarter event at VHUMC on October 6, 2017. The event was the first of its kind and

Parent Awareness Panel

On March 21, a panel of students presented personal stories about why they don’t drink to a room full of parents at the monthly PTO-sponsored Parent Awareness Meeting.

8th Grade Talks

The concept is to build relationships with the 8^th graders through a series of meetings in order to have a positive impact on them. The first meeting took place in October. We visited both middle schools with the entire Team just to introduce ourselves and to let them know that we are the ones who threw the One Rebel Party for them. All team members introduced themselves and told what activities they are involved in. Then the chairs announced that the one thing they all had in common is the fact that none of them drinks or does drugs.

The next talk took place in January. The Team went to each middle school in teams that met with each 8^th grade homeroom. They shared tips on how to achieve academic success. They did this in mixed gender pairs per each homeroom so the setting was smaller and more intimate. The 8^th grade students were able to ask questions openly.

In February and March, the full team of 50 students returned to each school once again in order to talk about activities and the importance of finding a place in high school. The activity took place in the gym during homeroom with all 8^th graders present at once. Each HTHST member held a sign with their name and activities. The 8^th graders were allowed to freely roam the gym to find someone who participated in something of interest to them and ask questions.

April was the “big talk” about drugs and alcohol. The Pizitz Team returned to Pizitz and the LP Team returned to LP, each presenting speeches in a morning assembly of all 8^th graders during 1^st period. Each presentation included twelve students sharing their stories of why they don’t drink and challenging the students to follow suit. Some stories included family tragedies while others simply talked about reputation, athletic performance, and honoring parents. Both days were very powerful as the team members spoke from the heart.

Other Activities

· October 31 – James Sweeney, Bradford Stewart, and Merritt Cahoon were the DJs for the LPMS party.

· Kindervision PSA Contest: The HTHST was asked by Dr. Burgess to participate in a contest. With the help of Morgan Palmer and the VNN staff, we produced two videos. One informed middle school students about proper usage of social media, and the other was aimed at high school students about drinking. In the drinking video, students stated why they don’t drink. We tool the positive approach that we take in general with the 8^th graders. This video has advanced to the finals of the contest.

· “Kick Butts” Campaign: Dr. Burgess requested that we also be a part of this campaign co-sponsored by Children’s Hospital and the Jefferson County Department of Health. Two junior members of the HTHST took this project on and created a contest for middle school students to enter with creative PSAa of their own.

· HTH Table/YLVH Table at the 8^th Grade Fair: This year, these two tables were next to each other at this event for 8^th graders and their parents. It proved to be very helpful.

· 8^th Grade Socials: This was an idea that was attempted for the first time this year. It came from 8^th grade teachers and one of the Relay sponsors at the high school. The idea was to get 8^th graders more involved in Relay while at the same time allowing more opportunities to mix students at the two middle schools. The HTHST was asked to participate since these goal is to build relationships with the 8^th graders in order to be positive role models. These socials proved to be more difficult than anticipated. One was help at Skates 280. The other two, bowling and Sky Zone were both cancelled. My recommendation is not to attempt these again next year unless they are held at one of the middle schools. The HTST would be happy to participate but not be responsible for the planning or executing of the events. They should be under the middle school supervision.

Submitted by Kym Prewitt, HTHST Sponsor on May 10, 2018