Sophia Sharypov – Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - The Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) cafeteria looked a little different Friday as members of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT ) hosted a Valentine’s-themed event called “Give Hugs, Not Drugs.”
Students stopped by the wall where a paper with paper hearts and a growing wall of messages about things they love.
Students wrote down something that makes them happy, friends, family, sports, music, even favorite foods, and added it to the display.
SWAT officers said the goal was to create a positive environment while also reminding students about making healthy choices, especially around holidays when social pressure can be higher.
“It doesn’t have to be a big lesson,” said LRHS English teacher and SWAT adviser Debra McCarthy. “Sometimes just giving students a moment to focus on what makes them happy can change the tone of their whole day.”
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Students gathered around the paper reading each other’s responses, and many who walked by at first ended up stopping once they saw friends participating.
“I wasn’t planning on doing it,” said sophomore Matvei Shiriagin, “but then I started reading what people wrote and it made me want to do it too.”
By the end of C lunch, the board had turned into a colorful collection of reminders about community, gratitude, and connection.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, SWAT wanted the event to encourage students to embrace what they love and stay away from not-so-loving substances.