Helping Students Make Healthier Choices: Vaping Prevention Presentations at Saugerties Central Schools

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Saugerties Central Schools in Saugerties, New York, where I delivered a series of engaging anti-vaping school assemblies. These assemblies were for students in grades 7–12. Over the course of the visit, middle school and high school students participated in interactive presentations focused on vaping awareness, critical thinking, and positive decision-making.

Today’s students are constantly exposed to messages about vaping through social media, peer influence, and targeted marketing. That’s why schools are increasingly looking for effective school vaping education programs in NY that go beyond simply sharing statistics. These presentations were designed to capture students’ attention while helping them think critically about the choices they make.

Keeping Students Engaged

To keep students engaged and receptive, the presentations combined education with entertainment. Through magic, illusions, humor, and interactive moments, students were drawn into the conversation in a way that traditional lectures rarely achieve. While the atmosphere was fun and energetic, the core message remained clear: understanding the real risks of vaping and building confidence to make healthier choices. These anti-vaping school assemblies allowed students to explore important topics such as:

How vaping products are marketed to young people
What substances teens may actually be vaping
The potential health effects of nicotine and THC
Social pressures and decision-making strategies

By blending science, storytelling, and interactive demonstrations, the goal was to help students remember the information long after the presentation ended. Of course, prevention efforts are strongest when schools and families work together. That’s why Saugerties Central Schools also hosted a parent education night, where parents had the opportunity to learn about the current vaping landscape and how they can support their children at home. Parents are a critical part of prevention. When families understand what students are facing and feel confident starting conversations, it creates a stronger support system for young people. For families who were unable to attend in person, we’ve made it easy to stay informed. Below you’ll find:

A recorded version of the live parent presentation
A virtual vaping awareness presentation for parents
Additional resources and guidance specifically for families

As a youth vaping prevention speaker for schools in New York, it’s always encouraging to see communities like Saugerties taking proactive steps to educate students and support parents. Schools across the state are increasingly investing in school vaping education programs in NY that engage students in meaningful ways. If your district is looking for impactful anti-vaping school assemblies that combine education, engagement, and memorable experiences, these types of interactive programs can help start the conversations that truly matter. 👇 Scroll below to watch the parent presentation and access helpful resources.

Watch Parent Presentation

Additional Resources for Vaping

American Lung Association: Helping Teens Quit Smoking & Vaping: Practical roadmap, including prevention, intervention, and quitting support.
CDC: E-Cigarette Use Among Youth: A foundational source. Covers prevalence, health risks, and factors driving youth vaping.
American Lung Association: Vaping Conversation Guide: Specific guidance (developed with psychologists) on how to talk with teens about vaping.
A Parent’s Guide to Teens and Vaping: A practical article with warning signs, slang/brand tips, and how to respond if you catch them vaping.
Truth Initiative: Vaping Prevention & Quitting Resources for Parents: A deep resource hub including curricula, quit programs, and fact sheets.
Respiratory Health Parents’ Guide to Vaping (PDF): A parent-friendly guide that includes signs, risks, and quitting tips.
SAMHSA: Talk. They Hear You. – Parent Brochure (on vaping): A concise, printable guide to support conversations about vaping.
NIDA – Parents & Educators (on drugs and addiction): Science-based information, conversation starters, brain development as it relates to substance use.
CDC: Resources to Help Youth Reject or Quit Vaping: A clearinghouse for quitting tools (text, online, hotlines) plus guides for parents and youth.
SAMHSA / U.S. Department of Health: Reducing Vaping Among Youth & Young Adults: Policy, prevention strategies, and evidence-based approaches for communities (helpful background).