Elevate Coalition brings together youth

On Sunday, April 12th, Elevate students from all corners of Mineral and Sanders counties met in Plains to talk about the role they play in reducing the underage use of drugs and alcohol in rural Montana. Student leaders participated in collaborative efforts to identify social norms and root causes in their communities. These students also made new and meaningful relationships with each other. Noxon, Superior, St. Regis, Alberton, Thompson Falls, and Plains were all schools present with at least one representative. Everyone shared creative and practical ideas, as well as personal stories about why they decided to join the Elevate Coalition. Another activity practiced was designing speeches to empower their peers to join the cause and jump “into the trenches and be on the front lines” as Superior student, Taryn Ververis said. Most of these leaders said that they find enjoyment and have fun being a positive influence and making change in their hometowns. Noxon student, Asiah Jensen, told coalition members, “to be a positive voice.”