Decorah High School junior has been named to the Executive Council of Iowa Students for Tobacco Education and Prevention

Iowa Students for Tobacco Education and Prevention has named Decorah High School junior Ellie Luzum to its Executive Council.

In all of Iowa's 99 counties, Community Partnerships exist to work on tobacco use prevention and control efforts. Helping Services for Youth and Families Director of Prevention Services Tessa Willie works monthly with Decorah High School's organization, named TAATU (Teens Against Alcohol and Tobacco Use).  TAATU advisor Liz Fox says the group has shared information through posters, stickers on milk cartons and on popcorn bags at athletic contests, and through events during Red Ribbon Week, including Chalk the Walk at both the middle school and high school, and creating informative games played during homeroom. Members of the group have also spoken at city council meetings to encourage tobacco-free parks.

"Ellie has shown enthusiasm for our mission since our first meeting," said Fox. "I'm thrilled she took it upon herself to apply for membership on the executive council. Our organization includes an number of outstanding senior leaders, and Ellie's leadership at the state level will be even more helpful in reaching our goals."

Luzum remarked, "Not only is the information I've learned interesting, but the whole environment the council forms has been rewarding. It has been so much fun bonding via Zoom with the other council members."

More information about Decorah High School's involvement with ISTEP can be found at https://www.facebook.com/IowaSTEP.