Kick (Cigarette) Butts with PHAST Club!

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Kat Martinez (11th), Editor

Pitman High School is one of the select schools in the Stanislaus County that is a part of the P.H.A.S.T Club Association. PHAST standing for Protecting Health and Slamming Tobacco is mainly a student run club that speaks out and informs students from grade school to high school about the negative effects and outcomes of drug usage.

President of the PHAST club, Emely Ibarra stated, “Our biggest goal to achieve in this club is to spread awareness and I would say that PHAST Club sort of stands out from other clubs on campus because in a way, it’s more educational than others.”

PHAST club stands out above many clubs on campus because it takes more than a student having the idea of the club and starting it. Ultimately, Pitman is lucky to be a school in the Stanislaus County because it’s something students have the privilege to be a part of and it is one of the few funded clubs on campus.

Around the high school age is when most students are fully aware of drugs and the consequences of using them. The purpose of the club is to have young adults not only speak to those of their age but to children who are either about to hit the stage where drugs are starting to be used or even before then.

Member Lindsay Schammel said, “I personally think that it’s highly effective to have our age group be the ones to help prevent drug use to the younger age groups even up until elementary students. Also, it helps for younger students when someone who is closer to/your age inform you on a subject rather than someone who isn’t.”

Recently, PHAST club was in charge of Red Ribbon Week on campus where there were games, matches, and other fun activities held to help spread awareness. The events were successful and students were actively participating!

The club has other events lined up like the American Smokeout, Escape the Vape, and Through With Chew. These are all events organized by the Stanislaus County Office of Education where members educate their peers through campus tabling events, morning announcements, relays, contests, rallies, etc. The club is excited to take on the year and spread awareness to Turlock students of all ages!

And for Pitman students… it’s never too late to join!! Meetings are held every Friday during lunch in B213!