A new group known as Parkway Coalition was introduced at each grade’s class meeting on Aug. 16. The group presented a 1:30 clip in which several members of the program introduced themselves, gave an example of a teenage problem, and then offered their solution to the problem.
“We [Parkway Coalition] are a branch of a city-wide project started by Parkway, and over six schools are participating to help combat against social norms,” senior Jonathan Hwang said.
Parkway Coalition consists of students who believe in living and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Some principles of the group include being alcohol- and drug-free, along with avoiding texting and driving.
The first few members of the program were approached last spring by health teacher Ms. Terri O’Leary during another program that promotes a healthy lifestyle, Peer Teaching.
“Initially I was hesitant to join because it didn’t really sound too fun,” Hwang said. “However, after second thought, I imagined how much of an impact I could have with my peers and those younger than myself.”
In November 2012, the district received a grant for five years worth $500,000 from the Missouri Foundation for Health. With the grant, Parkway created the coalition program. Students interested in the program attended a districtwide meeting last spring. Since then, they have been meeting about once a week.
“I like how Parkway Coalition is a very welcoming group and is happy to let anyone join, because it covers a wide variety of topics,” junior Libby Kaiser said. “It’s also easy to be a part of because, even if you can’t make a meeting, there’s always a way to help out and advocate to people what’s going on.”
Another goal of the program is to put out a monthly video that follows different people’s lives.
Each month’s video covers a variety of themes and topics.
“Our message isn’t just to stop drinking or to stop doing drugs,” Hwang said. “We want people to see into other’s peoples lives and learn about each other.”
Other specific plans for the future besides a monthly video are uncertain, but the program’s ultimate goal is to change lives.
“This program is still fairly new, and we’re considering a wide range of possibilities for how we will expand in the future to reach more people and effectively spread our message,” junior Jacqueline Ihnat said.
