Central Illinois Athletic Group Voices Concern Over Vaping Issues

Share and Follow

The Apollo Conference, encompassing high schools from Mattoon, Effingham, Charleston, Mt. Zion, Taylorville, and Mahomet-Seymour, is addressing a widespread issue affecting educational institutions nationwide: vaping.

“Vaping contradicts the health, fitness, and sportsmanship principles that our conference seeks to promote among student-athletes,” the league expressed in an official statement.

Effingham High School’s principal, Kurt Roberts, highlighted that vaping has been a persistent issue, intensifying significantly over the past five years. He noted that student-athletes have been caught with vaping devices on school premises.

Roberts emphasized the importance of educating all students on the health risks associated with vaping to prevent future consequences.

“Nicotine exposure to a developing brain actually hinders that development,” Roberts said. “There’s also studies that show that nicotine and vaping leads to depression and anxiety; well obviously all those things are impacting your school. If you’re 15-years-old and you’re addicted to nicotine and you’re thinking of ways to satisfy that addiction, it is hindering your ability to be in school and to focus.”

Roberts said his school is already taking measures like installing vape detectors and providing support to students who may already be addicted to nicotine. He also said the conference’s mission is going to need support from entire communities, including parents and nearby law enforcement.