Pierz Healy High Students Are Taking a Stand and Making a Difference

These are a few of the reasons students at Pierz Healy High have been actively involved in the Pierz Area Coalition (PAC) Student Network.  The PAC Student Network formed in September 2006 as the student branch of the community-wide Pierz Area Coalition.  The PAC formed as part of the Pierz Area ATOD Prevention Project, which is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services-Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division.  During the 2010-2011 school year, 36 students have attended at least one meeting.  13 students attended half or more meetings during the school year.  Beyond attending meetings, students have been involved in planning and facilitating numerous alcohol prevention activities in both the high school and elementary school and within the community. 

Getting Other Students Involved:  Students in the PAC student network found an opportunity to get many students outside their group involved in an alcohol-prevention activity.  For the past 3 years, students planned and led a Positive Community Norms video contest within the school.  Students were asked to create videos showing what students at Pierz Healy High do for fun without drugs and alcohol.  Over 50 students have participated in the video contests.  Students also conducted classroom presentations to all 7th grade students at the beginning of the 2010-2011school year.  7th graders were introduced to the mission of the PAC and invited to get involved.