Students Leading Students (SLS) members were excited to unveil their new selfie booth at the Alcona Homecoming dance this fall, and it proved to be a great way to increase student engagement. The chapter purchased an inflatable lighted tunnel to serve as a backdrop, along with a freestanding selfie kiosk that allows students to take portraits and fun photo booth-style pictures while capturing memories from the event. Following its success at Homecoming, the chapter plans to b

GaGa Ball, a fast-paced, dodgeball-like game, is played in an octagonal-shaped “pit” with as many as 25 to 30 players at a time. The rules are simple, but the game has quickly become a favorite among students of all ages, with students often running from the lunchroom to get a game started. Students Leading Students (SLS) purchased the materials for the pit, primarily lumber, and helped assemble it during an on-site work bee. The group plans to use the GaGa Ball pit during it

The Alcona Chapter of Students Leading Students (SLS) spent its September meeting welcoming new members and developing chapter goals for the school year. With 12 new freshmen joining the group, students worked together using rotating flip charts to begin planning monthly school assemblies, which they hope to launch in January. During the activity, students identified what they hope to achieve through the assemblies, the steps needed to make them happen, who can help support t

On September 16, 2026, Up North Prevention had the opportunity to join the community for the Traverse City Police Department’s RESILIENCE Night, an evening focused on connection, education, support, and reducing the stigma that can prevent people from reaching out for help. For Up North Prevention, being part of this event was about more than setting up a resource table. It was an opportunity to stand alongside our community partners and create a welcoming space where people

On August 31, 2026, Up North Prevention joined community members, families, and local organizations at the Botanical Gardens in Traverse City to recognize National Overdose Awareness Day. The annual observance provides an opportunity for communities to come together to remember those whose lives have been lost to overdose and to show support for individuals, families, and loved ones who have been impacted by substance use. The gathering created a meaningful space for remembra

The Montmorency Substance Free Coalition and Up North Prevention recently teamed up to bring prevention focused outreach and resources to families during the Hillman and Atlanta school open house activities. The two organizations connected with students, parents, caregivers, and community members while sharing information about substance use prevention, healthy choices, and resources available throughout Montmorency County. As part of the outreach, the organizations invited t

The Montmorency Substance Free Coalition was proud to participate in the 2026 Montmorency Project Connect, an event focused on bringing community members, organizations, and local resources together to strengthen connections and support the well-being of individuals and families throughout Montmorency County. Project Connect provided an opportunity for community organizations to share information, build relationships, and connect residents with valuable resources. As a coalit

The third annual Talents of Recovery Up North provided an opportunity to show our community what is possible in recovery. At the heart of the event is a celebration of the talents, passions, businesses, and accomplishments of people in recovery. This year’s participants included a musician, chef, tattoo artist, author sharing their personal story, talented crafters, and several recovery support organizations. Together, they demonstrated that recovery can mean so much more tha

Up North Prevention celebrated Recovery Month by hosting Save a Life Day at Grayling City Park during the Grayling Market. The event had a great turnout and provided community members with valuable education, resources, and tools to help keep themselves and their families safe. Christian Wargo, FF/EMT-B, CADS, with Frederic Township Fire Department and EMS provided adult, child, and infant CPR demonstrations, along with information on how to use an automated external defibril

Students Leading Students (SLS) kicked off the school year with energy and enthusiasm at the Freshman Bash at Alpena High School this September. SLS members connected with incoming freshmen through interactive games, prizes, and engaging conversations, creating a welcoming environment while building positive relationships with new students. The event provided a great opportunity to introduce freshmen to SLS and encourage them to get involved. SLS is looking forward to many mo

Prevention can take many forms. This August, it looked like a group of local youth spending a night outdoors, trying new things, learning new skills, building connections, and making memories together. During an overnight camping adventure, youth had the opportunity to kayak, fish, whittle, make music, explore the outdoors, and spend time around the campfire. Along the way, they learned new skills, helped one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, and experienced the s

The Prevent2Protect (P2P) Youth Coalition recently came together to create and distribute welcome packs for every senior across Cheboygan County schools! Each pack was designed to give seniors a little boost as they begin their final year of high school. Inside, students received a pencil, notebook, sticky notes, a $5 Starbucks gift card, an encouraging affirmation card, and a sucker—a few simple items to help brighten their day and remind them that their community is cheeri

The start of a new school year is always exciting, and Students Leading Students (SLS) was proud to be part of this year’s Back-to-School Event at Tawas Area Schools! The SLS table gave students and families an opportunity to learn more about the program, connect with members, and discover ways to get involved during the upcoming school year. One of the highlights of the event was partnering with the Iosco Substance Free Coalition to bring the Hidden in Plain Sight trailer to

As schools prepare to welcome students back for the new school year, open houses provide a wonderful opportunity for students, families, and staff to reconnect and get excited for the year ahead. A special thank you to St. John Lutheran School for inviting Up North Prevention to attend its 2026 Open House. It is always a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and engagement of students and families as they prepare for a successful school year. Up North Prevention is proud to partner

Up North Prevention visited Kirtland Community College on August 25 to connect with students and share substance use prevention resources. During the event, prevention staff provided educational materials, naloxone demonstrations, and free naloxone. Students also received medication lock boxes and lock bags to help promote safe storage and reduce access to medications and other substances. The Up North Prevention popcorn machine was also a hit with students and provided a fun

Together, we helped approximately 200 families get ready for a successful school year by providing free school supplies for their children. The smiles, excitement, and community spirit made the day truly special! As an added bonus, families were also able to take home household commodities, making the event even more impactful. Events like these remind us how much can be accomplished when organizations come together to support local families. The event is already on the calen

The 2026 Nautical City Festival Queen and Court represent much more than a tradition. While they proudly serve as ambassadors for the Nautical City Festival, some of the court are also active members of Students Leading Students (SLS), a youth leadership organization dedicated to empowering young people to make positive choices and become leaders in their schools and communities. They inspire others by leading by example and showing that every young person has the power to cr

With the rising cost of school supplies, events like Project Connect can help families with school aged children prepare for a successful start to the school year. This year's event took place at Spruce Presbyterian Church on the north side of the county and was hosted by members of the congregation. The free event included back to school supplies, haircuts, food backpacks, games, inflatables, and giveaways from nine community agencies. In addition to school supplies and fun

The annual Northwestern Michigan Fair was held at the Grand Traverse County Fairgrounds from August 9–15, 2026. During the week-long event, Up North Prevention shared a vendor space with the Michigan State Police, collaborating on a prevention resource table that provided information and educational materials on substance misuse prevention, the dangers of vaping, the Angel Program, and safe medication disposal. The Michigan State Police also featured their Hidden in Plain Sig

On August 14, 2026, Up North Prevention was proud to participate in Father Fred Foundation's Back-to-School Shoe Event, helping local families prepare for a successful new school year. As a resource table partner, Up North Prevention connected with parents, caregivers, children, and community members while sharing information about prevention, healthy choices, and local resources that support youth and families. Events like this demonstrate the power of community partnerships