Local teens kick butts


(above) Urban League of Springfield President Henry M. Thomas III congratulates members of PLOT2 for their committment to not use tobacco products. Reminder Publications photo by Natasha Clark

By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor

SPRINGFIELD Last week the Urban League of Springfield did its part to combat tobacco and its place in the lives of youths. April 2 was National Kick Butts Day, and the Peer Leaders of Today and Tomorrow (PLOT2) helped spread the word on the dangers of smoking as part of the 84 Movement.

The 84 represents the 84 percent of teens in Massachusetts who choose not to smoke. Crystal Senter Brown, of the American Cancer Society, was on-hand at the event to help the youth educate the public through posters, handouts and visual displays.

The youth handed out pens, magnets, temporary tattoos and pamphlets. Quit kits were handed out to smokers and non-smokers and youth had the opportunity to pledge to help a loved one quit tobacco. Those who pledged were entered into a raffle to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Urban League of Springfield President Henry M. Thomas III thanked the youth for their involvement in the event.

PLOT2 is a group of 15 to 20 high school students who are trained through the Urban League of Springfield to become peer leaders. The peer leaders then take the knowledge they've gained and facilitate workshops and events in the community. PLOT2 is part of the Shannon Grant anti-gang initiative.

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