October 25th through October 29th was Red Ribbon week. During that week, all over the country, people made a conscious effort to spread awareness about tobacco use. The theme this year was “Drug Free Looks Like Me.”
Big tobacco companies are targeting teens and preteens toward nicotine addiction with flavored vapes like “Fuji Apple Strawberry Nectarine,” “Blue Raz Cotton Candy,” “Banana Nut Bread,” “Watermelon Wave,” and other flavors like these. What these teens do not realize is that vaping is just as bad as smoking.

Vapes often contain more nicotine than standard cigarettes. Nicotine is an addictive substance that, over time, rots lungs which could cause lung cancer. Smokers and vapers can accumulate many serious health problems from ingesting nicotine which include, but are not limited to: difficulty breathing, vomiting, fainting, headache, weakness, increased or decreased heart rate.
Mt. Vernon is working towards helping students overcome their vaping addictions through providing numbers to text or call and other resources to help students beat their addiction. The Voice club is always promoting a healthier, vape-free, lifestyle. Everyone can follow them on Instagram @mvhsvoice.

This year to celebrate Red Ribbon Week at Mt. Vernon, a pumpkin decorating contest was held. They also created a video to show middle school students that promoted a tobacco-free lifestyle.