Area Teens Honored at Yes! Recognition Reception

State Senator Tom Libous, Lordes President and CEO David Patak and “Yes! Safe Choices for Kids” were joined by parents, teachers, and school administrators recently to honor more than 515 Broome, Tioga and Chenango County students at the Yes! Leaders Change Lives recognition reception.

Yes! Leaders are middle and high school students who, after a hands on training, present to elementary students on the dangers of substance abuse, and the importance of self-esteem. One Chenango County Yes! Leader was among 3 winners of the Jill Kavanagh Memorial Yes! scholarships.

Shawna Stevens, a 2 year Yes! Leads member and senior at Afton High School received a $2,000 scholarship and will be attending Davis College this fall. Shawna says the program has taught her to be her own person:

Yes! Safe Choices for Kids is in its 25th year.  Since 1989, more than 8,500 Yes! Leaders have helped teach more than 100,000 elementary students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.