Students Working Against Tobacco

by Brianna Benincasa

Here at Timber Creek we have a club called “Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).” This club is run by sponsor and geometry teacher Mr. Carlos Cruz. The club works to inform students about the dangers of tobacco usage and help those who struggle with addiction. Drug, nicotine, and tobacco addiction has become especially common amongst teens. Statistics show that 1 in every 6 high school students is involved in the current use of a tobacco product. This correlates to about 16.5% according to the CDC (www.cdc.gov).  As a result of this, Students Working Against Tobacco tries to prevent addiction and help those who may already have an addiction. The club holds events in the courtyard and continues to have a huge impact on Timber Creek and the community of Avalon.

Tobacco can harm the human body in many ways and is seen as an abusive drug since many organs are not fully developed in teens. For example, the brain does not fully develop until the mid to late 20s of one’s life. However, the usage of drugs, tobacco, and/or nicotine can disrupt the growth of the brain. Many students and teens are unaware of the consequences involving tobacco. This is why the club hosts events to inform students about these dangers associated with tobacco and drugs. Most events are held during lunch in the courtyard, and usually have some sort of gimmick or way to get the attention of students. This is due to the fact, Students Working Against Tobacco usually does not pull people in. Not only does the club also hold events in school, they also attend events outside of school. For example, the club was sent to attend a town hall meeting in an attempt to express concern about the normality of tobacco use among teens.

SWAT does everything they can to try and positively influence the decisions of teens, and help those who may experience struggles within the community. As a teenager Cruz struggled with nicotine addiction, and eventually quit in college. This influenced him to step up as a sponsor for the club. “I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I went through,” Cruz said. Cruz believes that having an impact on one student is a step in the right direction, and he has already made a difference. Students have started joining this club because they have seen the consequences of tobacco. Sophomore, Judy Abdou, joined this club to help spread awareness about these consequences. “The increase of use of tobacco amongst teens influenced me to join,” Abdou explained.

Run by sponsor and geometry teacher Mr. Carlos Cruz, the club Students Working against tobacco works to inform teens about the dangers of tobacco on the body. Whether it’s through hosting events in the courtyard or attending different events, they do everything they can to help pass the message along, as well as helping those who may already struggle. With 16.5 percent of high school students already being involved in the use of tobacco products, the club does what they can to prevent the growth of usage as well as trying to influence the decisions of teens.