This year’s summit featured workshops and activities led by GoodLife LLC, an organization known for its innovative approach to youth development and prevention education. GoodLife facilitated sessions designed to inspire students to take an active role in promoting healthy lifestyles for themselves and their peers.
A total of 56 students from Cabell County middle schools — Milton, Barboursville, Huntington East, and Huntington — attended the summit, along with 30 students from Cabell County high schools, including Huntington, Cabell County Career Center, and Cabell Midland. These students are part of substance misuse prevention groups at their schools and participated in hands-on sessions focused on leadership development, creative prevention strategies, and peer engagement.
Nine youth leaders from PEP played a key role in the event, helping lead the Middle School Summit. Their involvement added a peer-to-peer dynamic, allowing middle school students to learn from older students who are already active in prevention initiatives.
“The goal of the Teen Summit is to empower youth to take what they’ve learned and implement it through innovative prevention initiatives within their schools,” said Angela Saunders, director of PEP. “By fostering peer leadership and encouraging student-led solutions, PEP hopes to amplify the impact of substance misuse prevention across the county.”
“We’re incredibly proud of these young leaders who have shown such commitment to making a difference in their communities,” said Tabetha Blevins, PEP Deputy Director. “With the help of GoodLife LLC and our dedicated youth leaders, students left the summit with new skills, knowledge, and creative ideas. Now, it’s time for them to bring their energy and ideas back to their schools and put prevention into action.”
The summit has become a cornerstone event for PEP, providing students with a platform to collaborate and share ideas on addressing substance misuse among their peers.
With continued support from Cabell County schools, community partners like GoodLife LLC, and the leadership of PEP’s youth leaders, the organization is confident the students will make a lasting impact in creating healthier and safer environments.
For more information on PEP and its work in substance misuse prevention, visit PEPWV.org.