KC Smokebusters Testify Before Missouri Senate Committee

 KC Smokebusters Testify Before Missouri Senate Committee

Knox County Smokebuster students testified before the Missouri Senate committee on budget and finance.

Amber Hayes, senior daughter of Kelly and Laci Hayes and Todd and Alicia Myers of Edina, Megan Hunolt, senior daughter of Mark and Angie Hunolt of Baring, and Jessen Miller, freshman son of Earl and Sherry Miller of Edina represented the Knox County Smokebuster youth advocacy group. Knox County Smokebusters were invited by the Missouri Department of Senior Services to testify about their experiences with Smokebusters in Knox County.

The total experience was not only a first experience for the students but also a learning experience as student had the opportunity to see our state government at work. It was a long and tedious process of Missouri citizens who were allowed 3 minutes to present their requests for funding. Student testimony was in an effort to allow funding for project Smokebuster across the state of Missouri.

Knox County Smokebusters began in Knox County with mentors, Diane Hamm and pastor Dena 93587 in 1998. During the past 10 years 10-12 Knox County freshmen have been trained yearly and have advocated for tobacco reform in their community. Adair, Scotland, Clark, Lewis, Shelby, Macon, Schuyler, and Marian counties have joined the to the youth advocacy movement.

Each student gave testimony about their own personal involvement as well as outlining the three year curriculum design of project Smokebusters. Smokebuster coordinator, Cindy Gunter, offered background information and accompanied the students along with Joyce Lara, University of Columbia Missouri project manager.

Funding for this project was provided “in whole” or “in part” by the Missouri Foundation for Health. The Missouri Foundation for Health is a philanthropic organization whose vision is to improve the health of the people in the communities that they serve.