Healthy Klamath and SmithBates Marcomm Solutions have partnered to introduce an innovative and educational initiative aimed at tackling the issue of vaping among students. The two organizations have announced the launch of “Escape from Vape” rooms.
Ponderosa Middle School, this past Wednesday morning, was the first school in the Klamath Basin to take part in the escape rooms.
The launch provided an engaging experience for students, while educating them about the dangers of vaping. The project concept came to life with help from SmithBates’ Marketing Interns from Oregon Tech, Molly Grace and Grant Kightlinger.
Grace and Kightlinger worked with Ponderosa’s Parent Teacher Organization and faculty to further develop the Escape from Vape rooms.
"This collaboration represents an exciting union where academia, industry, and community work together to promote the well-being of our youth," Kightlinger said.
Ponderosa students worked in groups to solve puzzles and challenges, which involved math and science, related to the harmful effects of vaping.
“A healthy community is what we strive for especially when it comes to our youth,” Merritt Driscoll, Executive Director of Healthy Klamath, said. “We are happy and excited to launch these ‘Escape from Vape’ rooms that SmithBates created at Ponderosa Middle School because it allows us to address the issue of vaping head on.”
“We are excited to be partnered with Healthy Klamath in bringing this experience to our community,” Kendra Santiago, co-owner of SmithBates Marcomm Solutions, said. “As advocates for our youth and their well-being, we believe it is imperative to address the vaping issue present within our community among our youth.
Santiago has hopes of bringing Escape from Vape to other schools in Klamath County.
"It was exciting to pilot this with Pondo. We would love to take it to other schools," Santiago said. "Now we can implement some feedback from the team at Pondo and then take this kit and work with the other junior high schools in the county."
