From left front row: Gabriel Camp (Eaton), Jordyn Camp (Eaton), Lauren Hysell (Madison), Mallory Haskins (Hamilton), Katherine Wojsiat (Munnsville). Back Row: Madison Hysell (Madison), Morgan Fox (Munnsville), Justine Sales (New Hartford), Tori Hysell (Madison), Brennan Hysell (Madison), Olivia Welsh (Vernon Center). Missing: Breeanna Champion (Boonville).
Also included is a photo of Madison-Oneida-Herkimer County Reality Check Youth Advocate of the Year, Jordyn Camp, 17, of Morrisville.
(Whitesboro, NY – June 2015) Bridges Tobacco Prevention Program and Madison-Oneida-Herkimer County Reality Check recently hosted a Community Education and Recognition Event at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro.
These programs work to reduce youth exposure to tobacco marketing through smoke free outdoor policies, helping implement smoke free housing, assisting communities with protecting youth from tobacco marketing in stores, working to keep smoking out of movies meant for children and reducing tobacco imagery on the internet.
Among those honored were Herkimer Housing Authority for making their buildings smoke free; KISS FM for their continued support; and Linda Bonczek and her class at Canastota Central School for writing letters, hosting a Kick Butts Day event and working tirelessly to make their community a healthier place. Richard Dowe, Executive Director of Herkimer Housing Authority addressed the group explaining the process and reasons for adopting a 100 percent tobacco-free policy.
“Knowing that all the residents who, in the survey we conducted expressed that they were suffering due to secondhand smoke, are now living with clean air is wonderful,” said Sue Casanova, Community Engagement Coordinator.
Fifteen additional organizations that enacted tobacco-free policies were also recognized, including Little Falls Lumber Company.
At this event Reality Check honored all of their youth leaders for their dedication to the program. Coordinator Heather Bernet said that, “This is one of the most important events we have throughout the year because this is our opportunity to really thank those who have given their time to this program. It is imperative that they know they are helping to make lasting change, especially our young people. The changes these kids are making will outlast them, and that is really the goal. I am so proud and thankful for each of our Reality Check youth leaders.”
Each student was honored individually and the evening ended with the announcement of the Local Youth Advocate of the Year, Jordyn Camp of Eaton. Jordyn is 17 and attends Morrisville-Eaton Central School. She has been a part of this program for four years. She was honored this year for braving the Philip Morris International Shareholders Meeting to speak with the CEO, for attending numerous events and collecting countless letters of support for all initiatives. She has participated in a statewide youth summit and many local trainings.
This year Camp has completed the implementation of a youth board for the New York State Tobacco Control Program.
“This program has taught me so much beyond just tobacco control,” Camp said. “I have learned advocacy, gained confidence and been given so many opportunities I would not have had otherwise. I have spoken at shareholders meetings, participated in protests, met with senate and assembly members, and even been part of a flash mob in Times Square. I am so glad to be a part of Reality Check and grateful for this award.”
Individuals 13 to 18 years old, who would like to be a part of Reality Check, can visit realitycheckofny.org.