News

Students make a stand against substance abuse during Week of Hope

Public school students listen to a Henderson County resolution honoring the Week of Hope.

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 13, 2024

In partnership with Hope Coalition, students in Henderson County's four middle and six high schools are taking a public stand against substance misuse during the “Week of Hope” campaign this week.

Since 2015, the schools’ student government organizations and leaders have organized the campaign in partnership with Hope Coalition. Support has grown for the initiative among community agencies. Since the first Hope Week, elected leaders and many local businesses have increased their participation and support of the annual campaign. The Henderson County Sheriff's Office is providing a wrapped patrol car for the second year in a row that will visit school campuses for students to sign.

The campaign and the students leading the substance abuse awareness events in their schools are formally recognized by government and school leaders in the community. At their Feb. 21 meeting, the Henderson County Board of Commissioners read a proclamation recognizing “Week of Hope”, as did the Hendersonville City Council at their meeting on March 7.

Each year, the schools’ student governments plan awareness activities that stress the importance of remaining substance free, and high school leaders collaborate with their feeder middle schools’ student leaders to organize activities for the younger students. This year, motivational speaker, Joey Negron, will be speaking to students at school assemblies.

Throughout the campaign, students at each school will sign pledge banners bearing the school’s mascot and a pledge to be substance-free. Provided by Hope Coalition, “Week of Hope” T-shirts will be printed for student leaders planning the awareness activities at their schools.

“Week of Hope” will culminate at noon Friday when the middle and high school banners will be hung from the Henderson County Historic Courthouse pillars. Community leaders including Henderson County Manager John Mitchell, Henderson County Board of Commissioners Chair Rebecca McCall, Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk and city police Chief Blair Myhand and will share remarks.