Fourteen anti-drug UNITE Clubs in schools across the Fifth Congressional District have been named “Clubs of the Year” for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments during the 2013-14 school year.
 
 
UNITE Clubs receiving recognition are:

Region 1:

  • Mt. Vernon Elementary – Rockcastle County
  • Rockcastle County Middle – Rockcastle County
  • Rockcastle County High – Rockcastle County

Region 2:

  • Highland-Turner Elementary – Breathitt County
  • Dorton Middle (tie) – Pike County
  • Whitesburg Middle (tie) – Letcher County
  • Belfry High – Pike County

Region 3:

  • Highlands Elementary (tie) – Johnson County
  • Meade Memorial Elementary (tie) – Johnson County
  • James D. Adams Middle – Floyd County
  • Magoffin County High – Magoffin County

Region 4:

    • Red River Elementary – Wolfe County
    • South Laurel Middle – Laurel County
    • Wolfe County High – Wolfe County

    In addition to a trophy, each of these clubs will be allocated $750 from the UNITE Foundation to fund anti-drug activities during the current school term.

    Last school year there were 105 registered UNITE Clubs in 26 counties with a total of 8,639 student members – the second highest number of students since clubs were first established during the 2005-06 school year.

    To qualify for Club of the Year honors, students submitted scrapbooks showcasing their monthly activities, service projects and mentoring activities. Scrapbooks were judged in elementary, middle and high school categories to determine regional winners.

    “I am always impressed with the quality of innovative activities performed by UNITE Club members throughout the year,” said Debbie Trusty, director of UNITE’s education team. “These students help raise awareness about the dangers posed by substance abuse or misuse to both their peers and within their communities.”

    Participation in a UNITE Club increases a student’s protective factors, such as providing positive role models for other students, building self-esteem, engaging in healthy lifestyles, striving for high student achievement, and creating positive relationships.

    “The service project component is aimed at developing leadership skills and increasing their awareness of civic responsibility,” Trusty said. “UNITE Clubs help youth develop healthy attitudes and behaviors by learning and practicing life skills, enhancing academic performance, connecting peers, adults, communities and learning through service.”