Belleview Students Promote Sober Choices Through Day of Fun and Creativity

Belleview, Mo. (KFMO) - Students in the Belleview School District took center stage March 27 as they helped lead two youth-focused sober events designed to promote healthy choices, creativity, and connection.

The Iron County Health Coalition, working alongside Youth Coalition sponsor Ethan Hedrick, helped organize the events as part of an effort to give teens positive, substance-free opportunities to have fun and engage with one another.

The day began with a basketball tournament carrying the theme “Nothing but net, nothing but sober” and later transitioned into a school dance with the message “One more dance, one less drink.”

Organizers say the events went beyond just entertainment. Students actively participated in spreading the prevention message by creating original posters and performing 30-second skits that encouraged alcohol-free decision-making.

More than 30 students took part in the day’s activities, which focused on showing that young people can build friendships, express themselves, and enjoy school events without the presence of substances.

The Iron County Health Coalition also provided support for the events by supplying drinks, snacks, pizza, and materials for students to create custom basketball jerseys.

Coalition leaders say events like these are an important part of prevention efforts, helping provide safe and meaningful outlets for teens while building stronger connections within their schools and communities.

The coalition says it looks forward to continuing similar sober events across all four Iron County school districts as part of its mission to create more positive opportunities for local youth.