Students demonstrate for clean air legislation

WESTFALL - On April 26, eight Delawarre Valley student members of (Teens Against Tobacco Use) TATU visited the state Capitol in Harrisburg, to participate in a youth led anti-tobacco rally. Over 1,000 Pennsylvania high school students gathered on the steps of the Capitol to show their support of the Clean Indoor Air Act. The students brought with them over 20,000 pairs of shoes to create a visual representation of the number of people who die from smoking related illnesses every year in Pennsylvania. Before marching through the streets of Harrisburg to support their cause, the students met with State Representative, Jerry Birmelin to express their desire to have this act passed. Passage would forbid smoking in all public places, including bars and restaurants. Delaware Valley High School senior, Shannon Smith, commented, “This event was a great learning experience. We hope to get involved in anti-smoking activities while in college.” In addition to Smith, students Mercedes McCracken, Chrissy Smith, Rosie Dibblee, Kayla Hausleben, Kellsey Charity, Jamie Hood and Ashley Cahill attended the rally.