Local Teen Hunts Out Ways To Do Good

POSITIVELY ELKHART COUNTY

Hunter, a local 15-year-old, has a motto, “nothing comes easy unless you work hard for it.” His mom, Amanda says, “he’s a great kid because he teaches me to be a better person every day and to reach for the things you want.”

It seems that Hunter is appropriately named. Because he actively hunts for ways to make an impact and do good.

Hunter and his family are new to our community. We are sure his previous community feels the void he left. While there, he was active in multiple sports, band, choir, and robotics. But he always made time to help others. He routinely volunteered to assist teachers and would ask his mom to drive him to town to see if anyone needed their grass mowed.

When Hunter and his family moved to Elkhart last fall, he began hunting out ways to help out in his new community.

He and his brother assist their neighbor with chores, including moving wood and helping with yard work. He is also helping out at a food pantry this summer. He has taken a leadership role at home by helping out with his younger siblings, as well. We have no doubt when given the opportunity; Hunter will find even more ways to lend a hand in the future.

Hunter plans to join the ROTC next year, followed by joining the military after high school. His ultimate goal, inspired by his 8-year-old brother, who has had grand mal seizures since he was 18-months-old, is to be a pediatric neurologist.

It is our pleasure to feature Hunter as this week’s PEC Do-Gooder. #WeRPositive Hunter’s future is a bright one. Do you know of another young person who hunts out opportunities to do good? Let us know! Simply fill out the form below.

We believe that healthy truths reduce use.

The healthy truth: Teens in Elkhart County aren’t drinking, smoking or using drugs.

But their peers think they are — and that makes a big difference.

Positively Elkhart County is a social norming campaign that aims to change students’ attitudes, behaviors and perceptions surrounding alcohol and drug use.

The goal of our program is to show students in our community that drinking and using drugs is NOT the norm and is NOT “cool.” Research shows this approach will reduce use over time.

Most teens in Elkhart County are making positive choices about alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs.

However, many believe they are in the minority and their typical peers engage in substance use. What teens think about their peers’ behavior has a strong influence on their own choices.

Our surveys show that high school students who believe their typical peer uses drugs or alcohol are 2-3 times more likely to engage in use themselves.

TEEN DRINKING OVER PAST 30 DAYS

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When Students Believe Their Typical Peer Drinks

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When Students Know Their Typical Peers Do NOT Drink

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