Members of the high school’s Reality Check club are spreading the word about the dangers of smoking and vaping.
GOSHEN, N.Y. (March 22, 2019) – Students at John S. Burke Catholic High School were chalking words and pictures on the sidewalks to the entrance of the school Wednesday. While the activity is one many haven’t tak
en part in since preschool, the medium allowed them to be creative and expressive in sharing messages that are serious in nature.
“We’re raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and vaping,” said sophomore Isabella Dushaj. “We’re writing the facts on the pavement so other students can see the messages as they enter school. In particular, kids think vaping is safe because they think it’s only water, but it still has the dangerous properties of cigarettes.”
The Chalk the Walk effort held after school was a visual representation of the club’s support of Kick Butts Day, a national day of activism that empowers youth to stand out, speak up and seize control against Big Tobacco.
Nearly two dozen students, along with staff advisor and School Nurse Kathleen Kish, coordinated the event in partnership with Reality Check, an initiative of POW’R Against Tobacco.
POW’R Against Tobacco Reality Check Manager Carissa Mazzeo said the Burke Catholic students’ efforts are especially needed here in Orange County since the county continues to have the highest rates of smoking in the Lower Hudson Valley.
“Kick Butts Day empowers youth to have a say,” said Mazzeo. “Every student from Burke Catholic taking part today is engaged and energized about this topic, and they’re highly committed to doing the community service to spread the word.”
“These students are role models for their peers, and I’m beyond proud of them,” said Kish. “I’m confident the rest of the students here at Burke Catholic will take the time to read the messages as they walk into school and acknowledge them.”
Other March Happenings at Burke Catholic
On March 7, Burke Catholic hosted the NY Archdiocese Respect for Life meeting for Parishes in Orange County with approximately 80 people in attendance.
On March 8-10, 16, and 17, Burke Catholic hosted the Orange County Parochial School League (OCPSL) Cheerleading and Boys and Girls Basketball Championships.
To learn more about John S. Burke Catholic High School, visit www.BurkeCatholic.com.
