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Breathe California hosts the Hackademy Awards for teenagers to raise awareness about the tobacco content of today’s media because teenagers are a target audience with the highest smoking rate is among 15-24 year olds. Media constantly influences teenagers whether they realize it or not, and the Hackademy Awards provide teenagers an opportunity to advocate against tobacco.
Students Fight Against Tobacco-Use In The Hackademy Awards With Breathe California
March 14, 2014
Students joined Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails on their fight against tobacco-use in the 19th annual Hackademy Awards on Saturday, March 1. Based on their tobacco content, the past year’s famous actors, actresses and movies were awarded Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! during this “Hollywood” red carpet event to help prevent tobacco use.
Throughout the year, student reviewers are chosen to select nominees for actors, actresses, and movies for their Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! Awards. Thumbs Up! Awards are given to those who realistically depict the harmful effects of tobacco or avoid tobacco use in the media consistently, while Thumbs Down! Awards are given to those who romanticized tobacco use. For example, the 2014 Thumbs Down! Movie Award went to The Great Gatsby for portraying smoking as a symbol of wealth and glamour.
Hackawards Red Carpet
“I promote the Hackademy Awards because it’s about youth making a difference on an important topic,” explains Lea Rathbun, Co-chair of FCUSD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC).
Rathbun elaborates that the Hackademy Awards encourages youth to have a voice about school health and wellness. Students are encouraged to become more involved with Breathe California by applying to join their Youth Advisory Board (YAB) or becoming a Thumbs Up! Thumbs Down! movie reviewer. Movie reviewers not only select nominees and the award winners for next year’s Hackademy Awards, but also have research published as they further analyze the Hollywood productions and collect data throughout the year.
After the Awards Ceremony, students have an after-party with performances and games along with informational booths. Robert Bender, a junior at Folsom High School and Bulldogs Reaching Out (BRO) President and YAB Member, helped run a booth, and he commented, “I joined [Breathe California] because I am in full support of the mission. I value the projects Breathe executes and enjoy working with the exceptional people there to better our future.”
With Breathe California being one of SHAC’s community partners, Folsom Cordova students and staff continue to strive for academic success and advocate for healthier living.