• The fact that most teens are very aware of the dangers of tobacco, yet a large proportion of them will ultimately try smoking for themselves.

• Once they take that first puff, traditional prevention messages telling them not to smoke aren’t relevant to them anymore (Vermont Department of Health).

The new ads seek to discredit some of the common myths found among teens, and give teen smokers who seem to lack resources the means to quit, with an ultimate goal of creating healthier Vermont youth, and, eventually, a healthier Vermont.

If you’ve ever tried smoking, listen to your gut and quit while you’re ahead. Check out miltonyouth.org for more information.

Q: What is your professional background?

A:  For the last three years I’ve been the assistant superintendent in Barre.  Prior to that, I spent five years as the principal at Colchester Middle School, and before that I spent six years at Essex High School where I taught Spanish for two years and then was an assistant principal for four.  A year before that was the only year I’ve really been out of Vermont, my wife and children and I were in the Washington, D.C. area for a year, and I was dean of students at a school there.  And before that for ten years I taught at Poultney High School in Poultney, Vermont where I was a teacher.  That’s also where I started my administrative career.

Q: Because this is the first time some people are “meeting” you, is there anything you’d like to share with the community?

A:  I guess the biggest thing I want to share with the community is that I’m thrilled to be here.  I’m really excited to be a part of the Milton school system and the Milton community.  I have family and friends here.  They’re the ones that enticed me to apply for the position, and I’m really delighted that I did.  You know, I want the community to know that I have an open door, so if they have any questions or concerns I need to hear from them.

Q: What do you think is the most important thing a community member can do to prevent teen use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs?

A:  I think the most important thing that any community member can do, that any adult can do, for prevention is to be there.  I have two children, a 20 year old and a 16 year old, and we’ve always had open communication.  I think from a parent’s perspective, or a teacher’s perspective—from an adult—just be there, and listen.  It’s hard, especially as a parent, to establish that “you can come and talk to me, and I’m going to try not to be judgmental, and I’m going to try not to be your father right now, I’m going to be a caring adult,” that’s the hard role for all of us.  But I think just being there for kids, and listening, and being a sounding board, and just being someone that any youth or adolescent can go to, we all need to know that we have an adult that we can trust and we can confide in.

Q: What do you think is the most important aspect of prevention in a school setting?

A:  Education.  It’s the key, and it starts in Pre-K/Kindergarten.  Certainly what we discuss with Pre-K/Kindergarten looks a lot different than it does with a junior or a senior, but education, around “what are the risks?” Again, that whole idea of communication, smart decision making, being able to connect with an adult, knowing what risky behaviors are, knowing what they look like, what do you do, so I’ve gone down this avenue, I’ve done something I shouldn’t do, don’t judge me for that, but help me.  Having been a teacher, and having been an administrator, I know it’s a difficult road because as teachers and administrators, there are some things that we are mandated to report, which is the way it should be, but students need to know that they do have confidants in the school, and people that they can go to because we’re here because we want to be.

Q: Do you have any previous experience with prevention organizations?

A:  I do.  When I taught at Poultney High School, I was the founder of the Students Against Drunk Driving chapter, so I worked with them.  As a youth, I was a member of an Al-Anon, because I grew up in an alcoholic household.  My support was being a member of Al-Anon, so I have some experience as someone who had to access services, and I think my experience growing up in an alcoholic household is what led me to work with the Students Against Drunk Driving chapter at Poultney, because it was a need that I saw in my students, and it was an experience that I went through, and I felt like that was a connection.  And then, certainly, as an assistant principal and as a principal I’ve worked with community organizations around students that came to me that confided that they were using or abusing or that they were growing up in alcoholic households so I feel like I have quite a bit of experience in that realm.

Q: What are some ways that you think a prevention organization from the MCYC could work with the school district and the community in general to reach the common goal of preventing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use?

A:  Well, eventually at one point I want to sit down and look at what the Youth Risk Behavior Survey says, and I need to get, as superintendent, a good handle on what we’re currently doing.  I know we have some limited SAP services as a school district so I guess the first thing that I need to do is get a handle on what we’re currently doing, and then folks like your organization and the principals here at the school district [need to assess] “What are our needs?” what are the things that we’re not doing or some holes that we need to plug, and I just think again, that whole issue of communication [is important, we need to look at] how are we working as a team, because that’s what we are, we’re a community team, about addressing those needs that, whether it’s the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, or just what our guidance counselors are learning, or the SAP counselors, what are the issues out there, what’s happening, and what do we do as a team to prevent it.

Put it in your phone! Your anonymous info will be received locally.

MCYC Picnic Cooler! – For Sale @ $40.00

Spend quality time with your family and support a great cause at the same time!  Good for potlucks, family picnics, football games, and concerts!

• Dual hinged handles and dual side snap closures give the cooler the picnic basket look.
• Insulated leakproof PEVA lining helps keep your lunch from wilting.
• Fits a full-course meal with its generous 24-can capacity.
• Keys and condiments fit nicely in the exterior Velcro® pocket.
• Size: 10″ x 17″ x 10″

MCYC Water Bottle! – For Sale @ $8.00

Be good to the environment with this re-usable water bottle while supporting your favorite cause.  Great for running errands, heading to the gym, or even just at your desk, at home or at work.

• Great gift idea for all those who enjoy helping the environment.
• Sturdy design made from sturdy materials.
• Includes clip for easy carrying.

MCYC Lunch Bag! – For Sale @ $35.00

Be good to the environment, your pocket, and our community!  Making lunch at home is healthier and a good way to save a few dollars.  Plus, the bag is made from recycled plastic bottles.  Show your support for the MCYC at work!  Includes steel water bottle, plastic reusable food container and cotton cloth napkin.

• A side elastic pocket provides storage for the water bottle while the front zippered pocket holds condiments and utensils.
• Adjustable shoulder strap provides for comfortable transport.
• Bag is made from 70% recycled PET fabric with a PEVA lining and PU fabric backing.
• Size: 10″ x 7″ x 6-1/2″

MCYC Purple T-Shirt! – For Sale @ $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth

Support the Milton Community Youth Coalition and look great doing it in our stylish t-shirt!  Perfect for going around town or just being comfortable at home, this shirt is great for you and great as a gift!

• Youth & Adult sizes available
• 100% cotton for long-lasting comfort
• Purple color really makes you stand out in the crowd and support your favorite cause!

If you have any questions, or to place an order, give us a call at 893-1009, stop by the office (located at 165 Rte. 7 South, behind Milton Chiropractic Center) or e-mail us at kknight@miltonyouth.org.  Thanks for showing your support in our community!