JVS STUDENTS CONTINUE TO LEARN — Students in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School led seatbelt safety and driver impairment programs after receiving a $3,000 grant from Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety. Students Ashlynn Hess, Adelynn DeGarmo and Peyton Ewing led a seatbelt presentation, while students took part in an impairment obstacle course in the student commons during lunch. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — Jefferson County Joint Vocational School students got a closer look at the dangers of intoxicated driving through a safety program led by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization.

Members of the student organization, which includes Rebecca Kelley’s early childhood education program, led events on Feb. 21 that centered around seatbelt safety and impaired driving.

These events were made possible following the school receiving a $3,000 Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety Grants. Kelley said the junior and senior chapters each earned $1,250 to provide the programs and similar activities to students.

“We’ve received grants for at least eight years,” stated Kelley.

“Previous events have included having speakers from the Ohio Highway Patrol and State Farm Insurance and conducting an obstacle course,” she continued. “This year, we decided to do something different and have it become more student-driven.”

One group hung seatbelt-themed posters around the school. Students Ashlynn Hess, Adelynn DeGarmo and Peyton Ewing made a Google Slides presentation during English class. The second group held an impaired driving obstacle course in the commons area, with school-wide participation during lunch.

Criminal justice students collaborated with the group, helping to set up the course, and provided impairment goggles that simulated various states of intoxication. FCCLA members addressed students about impaired driving as part of their program.

“The obstacle course was one of the best events because the kids were talking and interacting,” Kelley said.” To me, that was just as important as educating them.”

FACTS is a national FCCLA peer education program that supports the enforcement of local rules and regulations regarding community traffic safety. State Farm Insurance is a grant sponsor.