Club Promoting Healthy Alternatives

Meet Four Students Involved In SiRPHA

Rockbridge Area Community Services is inviting the community to meet students involved in a club it sponsors called Students in Rockbridge Promoting Healthy Alternatives (SiRPHA).

The student-led club at both Rockbridge County and Parry McCluer high schools club aims to address issues such as drugs, vaping, alcohol, and mental health, and encourages making healthy choices. SiRPHA focuses on bridging the gap between the community and high school students to educate youth on the dangers of unhealthy behaviors.

Students in SiRPHA create and plan activities and events to help their peers understand the risks associated with drugs, alcohol, and vaping.

Here are the stories of four students involved in the club, in their own words.

Madison Jones: “I am both the president of SiRPHA as well as a senior at RCHS! I have been a member of SiRPHA for nearly four years, which has been a fantastic experience! I love knowing that I can leave a positive impact on my community and provide resources to those in need of support. I plan on attending Radford next year as a biology major since I plan on becoming a doctor. My biggest joy in life is helping others and I want to reflect that with the career I chose!”

Campbell Bond: “I am the secretary of SIRPHA. I love being a part of SIRPHA because I get to help my community become a healthier and safer place for everyone. Besides SIRPHA, I enjoy painting, tennis, fishing, and doing anything outdoors. After I graduate, I will be attending Radford University to major in nursing. I plan to become a labor and delivery or OB/GYN nurse in one of our local communities.”

Josie Kuehner: “As a member of SiRPHA, I enjoy being able to bring together and build communities through events such as our youth summit. I love that our group is able to foster these connections in our high school community that otherwise might not exist. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing the piano, and reading books. After I graduate, I plan to attend a four-year university in the Northeast as a biology major. In the future, I hope to gain research experience through study-abroad opportunities, as well as continuing to pursue my interest in either marine biology or vaccine development.”

Ella Culp: “I am a senior at Rockbridge County High School. I am the vice president of SiRPHA and have been a part of the club for all four years of high school. I love the community and the many incredible people I am able to meet while being a part of SiRPHA. From speaking at coalitions to listening to amazing speakers at CADCA, SiRPHA has allowed me to improve both my leadership and public speaking skills. After graduation I hope to earn my BSN in nursing through an accelerated program at a University in Florida. Hoping to eventually become a pediatric travel nurse once I graduate college. I’m so grateful for all the experiences SiRPHA has allowed me to experience and I can’t wait for younger members to enjoy the same experiences as they journey through high school!”