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Youth marijuana use is a rising drug of choice among youth in our community, and can be concerning due to its potential negative effects on brain development, academic success, mental health, and overall safety. Below is some information on how it can impact youth physical and mental health.  

The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, memory, and learning. THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) can disrupt this development, potentially leading to long-term effects on cognitive functions. Studies suggest that frequent marijuana use during adolescence may impair memory, attention, and learning abilities​.

Get Smart About Drugs​Campus Drug Prevention.

Youth who use marijuana are more likely to experience academic difficulties. Regular use has been associated with lower grades, decreased motivation, and an increased likelihood of dropping out of school​.

Campus Drug Prevention​Stanford Medicine.

Heavy marijuana use during adolescence is linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis, particularly for individuals with a family history of mental illness​.

Campus Drug Prevention.

Contrary to common belief, marijuana can be addictive, particularly for youth. Studies estimate that about 1 in 6 individuals who start using marijuana as teenagers may develop cannabis use disorder​.

Campus Drug Prevention​Stanford Medicine.

Marijuana use can impair coordination and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly driving-related ones. It can also lead to risky behaviors due to impaired judgment​.

Campus Drug Prevention.

The THC content in marijuana has increased significantly over the past few decades, raising the potential for stronger effects and higher risks of adverse reactions​.

Stanford Medicine.

Prevention strategies, education, and open communication with youth about the risks of marijuana use are critical to mitigating these harms. For more detailed resources, explore SAMHSA, NIDA, or Stanford’s Cannabis Awareness Toolkit​.

Get Smart About Drugs​Campus Drug Prevention​Stanford Medicine.

Join us on Saturday, May 18th, from 1:00-3:00p.m. at the Marinette Community REC Center for a private meet and greet with a TBD Packer Player! 

For just a $35 donation to HYC, you secure your slot for the meet and greet that will include an autograph, photo (up to 5 people) with the Packer, and a ticket sheet for a chance to win a variety of amazing prizes as well as time on the turf with our Varsity Marinette & Menominee football teams!

Only select number of slots are available to community, as businesses who donate to HYC at select levels during our Radio-a-thon fundraiser will receive complimentary slots. 

We hope to see you there! Registration opens April 1st! Cost at the door increases to $40 and slots are not guaranteed day of.

Congratulations to our Coleman HYC team of Ella, Adrian, Maddy, and Norah for winning the Courageous Persuaders "Grand Prize" award, beating out more than 330 entries nationwide!

Courageous Persuaders is a national competition that challenges high school students to create a TV commercial targeted at discouraging underage drinking and drinking and driving. It's an incredible initiative that encourages young people to use their creativity to promote a positive message. 

We are incredibly proud of our winning team and their hard work, dedication, and creativity. Their commercial was outstanding and had a powerful impact! We also need to give a shout to their advisors Ms. Fendrick and Mrs. Mitchell!

Learn more about the competition at: www.courageouspersuaders.com

For the first time since 2019, HYC brought back their ACTion Troupe program in Stephenson in 2023 with some of our HYC members! 

This program, which stands for "Alternative Choices Through Creative Theater", consists of a 30-minute or less presentation compiled of multiple skits that are focused on anti-bullying education, along with ATOD (alcohol, tobacco, and other drug), and other age-appropriate topics such as respect and sharing. 

All skits are open-ended to leave an opportunity for the younger students to give input on a how a positive ending can come out of a negative situation. Adult facilitators lead the conversations of making healthy choices, while youth members portray different characters in the skits. At the end of each skit, ACTion Troupe members shake out of character to reveal their true identity on living a drug-free, positive lifestyle, and why it is important to them.  

These students delivered 10 presentations to elementary classrooms over the course of two days and didn't skip a beat!