Okeechobee Kids Learn Dangers of Smoking

Press Release:  July 18

Did you know that 88 Floridians die each day from tobacco related illnesses? 

The boys and girls attending New Horizons’ summer program learned that fact and other grim statistics during a recent presentation by Marcella Capar, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator from the St. Lucie County Health Department. 

To make a deep impression on the kids, Capar encouraged them to set up a display of 88 pairs of shoes to represent this staggering number.  The campers carefully arranged the shoes in two figure 8’s and then inserted a solemn message in each shoe. 

“My dad died of lung cancer in 2005,” said one message.  “90% of adult smokers started before age 18,” said another. 

New Horizons of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast is conducting the Student Assistance Summer Program for boys and girls aged 9 through 14.  Thirty students from Okeechobee, Ft. Pierce and Port St. Lucie are gathering each weekday morning at Northport Elementary School for a day full of fun and activities.

While the students are having fun they are also participating in a prevention program.

During the school year, Deann Ochoa, is a teacher’s aide at Yearling Middle School.  For the seven week summer program she is serving as the “camp counselor” for the ten Okeechobee students.

“It has been a great summer!” she said.  “The kids have enjoyed field trips to the Mets game and the wildlife sanctuary.  They are also learning so much about the dangers of smoking and drinking and drugs.”

One of the student’s favorite presenters was Detective Lee Rhem from the Port St. Lucie Police Department. He did a computer presentation on gang prevention.  “The kids thought it was cool,” said Ochoa.

“At this age, they are very impressionable,” she said.  “If we can get them to make wise choices now, they will certainly benefit as older teens and adults.”

New Horizons’ Student Assistance Program is a substance abuse prevention program.  It provides a range of services for students in elementary and middle schools in Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River Counties.  The program is free and confidential for students and their families.  For additional information about the Student Assistance Program call New Horizons at 772-467-3010.