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North Okanagan students’ smoking art makes winning impression

The posters were a part of National Non-smoking week, from Jan. 21-27.

A quartet of students from North Okanagan high schools are being honoured for their artistic achievements during National Non-smoking week, from Jan. 21-27.

As part of Interior Health’s Take a Breath contest, teens across the region created unique posters that shared their view on the impacts of tobacco, cannabis use and vaping.

Nishi Walker, a grade 9 student from W.L. Seaton Secondary, created a poster called Smoke-anagan. Not Again - Environmental Impact of Smoking Tobacco and/or Vaping.

Mackyle, also a Grade 9 student from Vernon, won for The Importance of Ceremonial Tobacco for Indigenous Traditions.

Hayden, Grade 11 from Vernon, won for the Impact of Smoking Tobacco or Cannabis and/or Vaping on My Life.

Izabella Loewen, a Grade 8 student from Shuswap Middle School won for Important Facts about Smoking Tobacco, Cannabis and/or Vaping Products.

The winners received $150 gift cards.

“The intent of the poster contest was to spark meaningful conversations about teen tobacco, cannabis and vapour product use and its impact on teens themselves and their communities,” said Interior Health. “By using impactful peer-to-peer messaging, teens across the IH region are empowered to make positive and informed decisions based on their real-life experiences and perspectives.”

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Bowen Assman

About the Author: Bowen Assman

I joined The Morning Star team in January 2023 as a reporter. Before that, I spent 10 months covering sports in Kelowna.
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