Friday, Oct. 24, 2025
Student-led anti-vape campaign draws a crowd
Students at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) recently launched their student-led anti-vaping campaign with a lunchtime barbecue, featuring free food, games, activities, and the unveiling of a student-built anti-vape gazebo.
The student-led initiative is an evolution of the school’s anti-vaping measures, which began more than two years ago with the installation of vape detectors, student education and staff training.
AHSS Principal Heather Hickey said the event was held to celebrate the incredible work and ideas of students who contributed to the construction of the anti-vape gazebo and the organization of the anti-vaping campaign.
More than 600 students participated in the school-wide extended lunch barbecue, enjoying great food, fun, and community spirit. The celebration featured a variety of student-requested games and activities, including frisbees, footballs, washer toss, ladder toss, tetherball, and art stations. The event also saw around 50 vapes collected from students in exchange for cessation tools like suckers and gum.
“The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has been a vital partner in our efforts to address vaping in schools,” said Hickey. “From the initial installation of vape detectors, they supported us by providing educational resources for students and parents, attending school events and parent-teacher nights to raise awareness about addiction and the health impacts of vaping. In our second year, they continued their support as we piloted the Zeptive app, an initiative aimed at helping students who want to quit vaping,” she said.
Thanks to many community partners, including the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, students were given a green light to design and build the gazebo under the guidance of construction teacher Carter Schaffner. The gazebo will act as the gathering point for lunchtime activities.
Hickey said all the hard work is paying off, noting that staff have seen a noticeable decline in the number of students leaving school property to vape compared to previous years. She said the improvement is supported by proactive communication between the administration team and incoming Grade 9 families, helping to educate and set expectations early.
Additionally, stronger relationships between staff and students have fostered open conversations about vaping, including support for those looking to reduce or quit. These positive connections have contributed to a more informed and health-conscious student body.
“Student participation is key in all of the steps along the way; it gives students pride in having an active role in contributing to the ideas as vapers and non-vapers. When students help create the messaging, it resonates more with their peers,” Hickey said. “They understand the language, the culture, and the real-life contexts in which vaping happens. This makes the campaign more relatable and impactful.”
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