Coginchaug Recognizes 'Be the One' Events This Past Week

The below information came from a press release from Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services.

To encourage community members and other students to make a positive difference in their lives, the Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Coalition has kicked off a media campaign asking our residents to “Be the One”. The goal of the campaign is to empower the community to make a difference and “Be the One” to make healthy decisions that do not involve drug and alcohol use, especially among those under 21.

In the spring of 2013 students from Coginchaug met with staff from Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services to design and develop the campaign. While working with a professional media consultant youth decided they wanted to send two positive messages; one to their peers and one to the community. Youth are asked to take the lead because they have big plans for their lives; while adults are asked to set the example because they lead the way for our youth.

“Many people who achieve success have done so because at least one person believed in them and urged them to set their expectations high,” said Stephanie Moran, Prevention Coordinator at DMYFS. “Imagine what our youth can accomplish if the entire community supported them! This campaign challenges our community to make healthy decisions, and consider what they might do to encourage young people, their peers, or themselves.”

To help kick-off the campaign, EDGE (Excellent Decisions Guiding Everyday) students from Coginchaug Regional High School and Strong Middle School participated in “Be the One Week."

During the week of October 15th-19th students from both schools spent their time encouraging their peers to make healthy decisions. Yellow ribbons were put on every student’s locker Friday after school, for when they came in Tuesday Morning. “I liked the ribbons. It was cool. It was different. It made me stop to read it – I liked the symbols” said a Coginchaug student. “I put it on my textbook and my friend put hers on her cheer bag. The painted windows were a good idea. The message was clear and different.”

Students at Strong spent their lunch period on Thursday asking every student to write on a paper ribbon what they will “Be the One” to do. "I am so proud of the students" said Kirsten Deitz, EDGE advisor and health teacher at Strong. "I saw many students write that they would be the one to volunteer, make a change, and make new friends – and that is inspiring!" Announcements were also made by Strong students every morning and both EDGE groups worked together at the Coginchaug homecoming football game on Saturday to hand materials out to parents and raise money for their initiatives.

The campaign will be making its way across Durham and Middlefield throughout the year. Let us know what you are doing to “Be the One”. Share your ideas on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LocalWellnessCouncilDurhamMiddlefield