Dodge The Smoke

High schoolers in the City of Lynchburg are bringing a whole new meaning to phrase “Dodge The Smoke”.

Over 143 students from E.C. Glass and Heritage High Schools lined up after school to participate in the 2nd annual “Dodge the Smoke” Dodgeball Tournament, organized by their peers in the Healthy Youth Through Education (HYPE) and Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVaSO) clubs at each school.

At the event, students packed the gym to support the cause; dodging the use of tobacco and other drugs. Before and after the tournament, students had the opportunity to learn about the risks of youth substance use, share the facts with their peers and show their peers that living drug-free is the best way to be!

Zoe' Q Whitcomb-Stokes, M.Ed., Student Services Supervisor at Lynchburg City Schools said "It was amazing to watch our students enjoy an activity that allowed them to just be a kid again without the pressures of COVID or safety concerns outside the classroom. Students at both Heritage Highschool and E.C. Glass appeared to appreciate the food, fellowship and game along with the information they received regarding substance use and its negative impact. Staff and students alike stated they would like to see this or similar activities occur more often."

I’m really proud of the students for coming together to create such a successful event. Their hard work truly demonstrated their leadership skills and passion to raise awareness around the dangers of smoking tobacco and marijuana.

Horizon is grateful to partner with Anthem Healthkeepers Plus, Central Virginia Addiction and Recovery Resources (CVARR) and Lynchburg City Schools to host this year’s Dodge the Smoke Dodgeball Tournament - an experience, we are confident, the students will not soon forget!