Phoenixville Kids Honored for Anti-Smoking Essays

A quartet of Phoenixville Area Middle School Students were among the ten finalists for the Chester County Tobacco-Free Coalition (CCTFC) Kick Butts Day Youth Essay Contest, according to district community relations coordinator Sandra Claus.

The kids’ essays were selected from the hundreds of entries submitted by Chester County seventh and eighth grade students. The submissions were personal reflections and true stories about tobacco use and the tobacco industry.

Phoenixville finalists Mitchell Coll, Julia Yancik, Tara Greenwood, and Emily Fabius were invited to read their essays at a reception hosted by the Chester County Health Department. 

According to Claus:

Some of the stories were very personal, as a younger brother pleaded with his college age brother to stop using chewing tobacco. One essay focused on the dangers of second hand smoke. Another student discussed the virtues of smoke free environments. All of them wrote with a passion and a purpose.

“I was impressed by the students’ ability to openly and honestly share their views and experiences with tobacco without hesitation,” added county health director Margaret Rivello.

“The students expressed their concern about the harmful effects of tobacco while providing great recommendations to create a healthier environment for all.”