By: Danielle Riesgraf
DMS STEM Teacher
On October 10, I had the incredible opportunity to take members of the Dickinson Middle School National Junior Honor Society to the 8th Annual Break Free Youth Action Summit in Mandan, North Dakota. With more than 230 people in attendance, our NJHS group proudly showed up with 34 enthusiastic students, one of the largest delegations there.
Throughout the day, students learned about tobacco and vape prevention, heard from inspiring speakers, and participated in interactive breakout sessions focused on healthy decision-making and leadership. Watching them engage with such energy, curiosity, and maturity was truly inspiring, they represented Dickinson with pride and professionalism in every activity.
Since returning from the conference, our NJHS students have taken what they learned and turned it into meaningful action. During the week of October 20–24, they visited every elementary school in the district, presenting to 4th-grade classes about the dangers of tobacco and vaping as part of Red Ribbon Week. Their confidence, compassion, and ability to connect with younger students truly stood out. These students have become powerful role models and ambassadors for healthy living across our community.
None of this would have been possible without the ongoing support and partnership of Danielle Romanyshyn from the Southwestern District Health Unit and Sherry Leavitt from North Dakota Full-Service Community Schools, who both played a huge part in providing these meaningful opportunities. Their collaboration and dedication to youth health and prevention education made this experience possible.
As the NJHS advisor, I am so incredibly proud of my students and all that they have accomplished. Their enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to making a difference remind me daily why I love what I do. When young people are given the chance to lead and serve with purpose, they don’t just learn, they inspire an entire community to “Break Free” from harmful habits.