GameChanger: Empowering Mason County Youth to Lead a Drug-Free Future

In a powerful display of community commitment, the Mason County Commission recently convened in Point Pleasant to invest in the most valuable asset of the region: its youth. From fighting the opioid crisis to fostering future CEOs, the meeting highlighted a series of initiatives designed to protect and propel the next generation.

The GameChanger Program: A True Catalyst for Change

The highlight of the session was the presentation of the GameChanger program. This isn’t just another school initiative; it is a student-powered movement dedicated to substance misuse prevention. By connecting students and educators with the prestigious Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, GameChanger creates a supportive school environment that stops drug and opioid use before it even starts.

Coaches Scarlet Enos and Tracie Price, along with student leaders Azzuria Russell, Macy Taylor, and Lola Tolliver, shared the program’s vision. The core goal is to empower youth to make healthy choices through research-backed peer leadership programs. To ensure this momentum continues, the commissioners granted $10,000 from opioid settlement funds to support the program’s growth.

Why the GameChanger Approach Works:

• Youth-Led: Students take the lead in educating their peers, making the message more relatable and impactful.
• Research-Based: The framework is designed to implement and sustain long-term prevention strategies.
• Holistic Support: It provides the necessary coaching and training to help students live drug-free lifestyles.

Cultivating Excellence: FBLA’s Rise to the National Stage

The commitment to student success extended beyond health and wellness. The Mason County Career Center’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) was also honored for their outstanding achievements. Six local members have qualified for the national conference in San Antonio, Texas, proving that Mason County is a breeding ground for top-tier talent.

In a generous move, the commission announced that the proceeds from an upcoming auction of four sheriff’s department vehicles will be donated to the local FBLA chapter, providing these aspiring leaders with the resources they need to compete on a national level.

Investing in Community and Infrastructure

The meeting concluded with further investments in local youth and administrative efficiency. The commission approved a $5,000 donation to the Mason County Youth Football League, emphasizing the importance of sports in developing discipline and teamwork.

On the administrative side, the commission took strategic steps to optimize local assets, including a resolution to transfer the lease of the Point Pleasant Armory to the Mason County Development Authority, paving the way for future regional growth.

A Brighter Tomorrow for Point Pleasant

From the GameChanger movement to the professional ambitions of FBLA students, it is clear that Mason County is not just reacting to today’s challenges—it is proactively building a safer, smarter, and healthier tomorrow. When a community invests in its youth, the return on investment is a legacy of leadership and resilience.