St. Paul, Minnesota — State Representative John Ward (DFL – Baxter) is pleased to announce that a local constituent group has received a Delta Dental “Serve a Smile” grant.
Rev. Dr. Terry Frovik saw a release from Rep. Ward in a local paper that the grants were available. Rev. Frovik is the Adult Mentor and creator of a program for the prevention of adolescent chemical abuse called, "Peers, Beers and Cheers.” The program is receiving a $400 grant which will cover 75 percent of the program’s publication expenses. The program has trained four sophomores from Pequot Lakes High School to do presentations for Pequot Middle School students.
“I’m really proud of the students who are stepping up to make this happen,” said Rev. Frovik. “These students are great role models and great communicators with their fellow students. Their work is encouraging younger students to make good choices as they grow into adulthood.”
“It’s excellent that this project involves older students mentoring younger students for an important issue like chemical abuse,” said Rep. Ward. “Chemical abuse ruins lives and it can be tough to identify for parents and other adults. These great young people talking to their peers will help tell the story and spread the message better than many adults could. Congratulations to Rev. Frovik and these fine students for being awarded this grant, and keep up the great work!”
“Serve a Smile” grants are aimed at supporting youth-led service/service-learning projects that addresses an important oral health or health issue. The mini grants are awarded to youth affiliated with schools and youth-serving community organizations in Minnesota, offering young people essential funds as they envision ways to create healthier schools and communities.
For more information on “Serve a Smile” grants, visit http://mnyouth.net/work/serve-a-smile/.