Last week, we wrote about seven students that were recognized for their work with the Troup County Prevention Coalition, a local group that focuses on reducing and preventing the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco among youth.

The work the coalition does deserves its own entirely different recognition. The group had a board meeting the paper was able to sit in on, and it was easy to hear the passion in each member’s voice as they talked about ways to get local children on the right path and away from alcohol and drugs.

However, last week the coalition honored its youngest members.

Seven high school seniors from the group’s youth advisory board were thanked for their time on the coalition.

These seven students should be commended for the courage it took to join the board and for the work they did during their time on it. It’s not always the “cool” thing — or whatever word the kids are using these days — to be a part of something like this, but these students stepped up and tried to make a real difference in their hometown.

As a parent, sometimes you can talk until you’re blue in the face about the rights and wrongs of the world and trying to steer your son or daughter in the right direction.

Often those thoughts go in one ear and right out the other.

We were all kids once, so many of us can remember doing the opposite of whatever our parents wanted.

That’s why this youth advisory board is such an important thing. It allows students to hear from their peers about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, it’s easier to listen to someone your own age, even if it’s the same message.

Thanks to all of the students who played a part on their board.  We hope you keep up the good work as you move to the next part of your lives.