The Carolyn Ford-Griffith Youth of the Year Award was presented to YouthQuake. This award is presented to a student from the tri-state region that has modeled a drug-free lifestyle, taken an active role in youth substance use prevention, and motivated his or her peers to take an active role in substance use prevention.  

Formed in 2005 under the direction of Stayin’ Alive as the first ever Franklin County youth council, YouthQuake is designed to strengthen the community by targeting abstinence from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs among youth. In 2015, YouthQuake entered Franklin County High School as a regularly meeting club. Members in grades 9-12 pledge to be positive role models in the community and their school by committing to be tobacco, alcohol, and drug free. YouthQuake club members meet monthly to implement activities that address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention messaging among youth. Such activities have included informing their peers about the dangers of tobacco on Kick Butts Day; sponsoring a fun educational trivia competition during National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week; promoting Parents Who Host, Lose the Most; provide an anti-texting while driving message during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month; and hosting an alternative activity for youth to do on the weekend. YouthQuake is present at the annual After Prom with the Prom Promise and “drunk goggle pop toss.” Members have been working to offer at least one activity or message to the high school students each month. In the past, YouthQuake worked with FCCSC to implement a 100% tobacco free school campus and were recognized for their hard work at the School Board Meeting. The members of YouthQuake have also created ideas, designed scenarios, and been the faces on the fifteen different Social Marketing Billboard Campaigns seen throughout the community addressing underage drinking, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drug abuse. YouthQuake continues to seek out new opportunities to engage youth in our community and join our prevention efforts.

YouthQuake is Shakin’ Up Franklin County Safe and Sober!