Congratulations to Nicolas Suarez, a tenth grade student at Lincoln Park Academy, who was chosen to serve on the Florida Youth Advocacy Board of the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), a statewide youth-led movement.
The Youth Advisory Board works in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida to help plan the direction and goals of the SWAT organization and of the youth prevention component of the state’s tobacco control campaign. Students work with county grantees on a local level to support initiatives that educate others about tobacco use, help protect youth from tobacco, and strengthen local policies, especially those that protect the public from secondhand smoke.
“Youth advocates are the next generation of leaders in Florida and across the country,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “These enthusiastic students work diligently with a passion to create positive change and raise awareness among their peers and community about the dangers of tobacco use.”
SWAT aims to empower, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against Big Tobacco. SWAT is a movement of empowered youth working together to de-glamorize tobacco use. Their efforts aim to shape tobacco-free norms, make tobacco less desirable, less acceptable and less accessible.
“We are proud of Nicolas and his contribution to our community,” stated Superintendent Genelle Yost. “Efforts to eliminate the use of tobacco creates a healthier tomorrow for all of us.”