Students, Advisor Honored by National Peer Education Group
For the first time, Radford University students have been recognized by the Bacchus Network at the organization's national Peer Education Conference.
Sarah Gayle Ballagh was named 2012's Outstanding Student, and LeeAnn Dye was elected representative to the organization's Student Advisory Committee for Area 12, which serves the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
Also, Sarah Kenney, an instructor in Radford Department of Exercise, Sport and Health Education (ESHE), was named 2012's Outstanding Advisor.
Bacchus—an acronym for Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students—was founded in 1975 at the University of Florida in response to the need for alcohol awareness and abuse prevention. Today's Bacchus Network is a national collegiate peer education initiative that promotes student leadership to address campus health and safety issues.
At the national conference in early November in Orlando, Fla., RU ESHE majors Emily Stewart, Mira Kartheiser, Angela Cannavo and nursing major Avery Humphries joined Ballagh, Dye and advisor Kenney in presenting a program titled "EveryBody is Beautiful" to more than 75 students and advisors.
Dye was selected by her peers based on her qualifications for providing leadership for Area 12. Ballagh's award was given for contributions to the peer education group, academic success and leadership.
LeeAnn Dye (left), Emily Stewart, Advisor Sarah Kenney, Mira Kartheiser, Angela Cannavo, Avery Humphries, Sarah Gayle Ballagh
Kenney received her award based on her commitment to peer education, leadership and talents as an advisor.
"I am grateful to advise such a great group of students who are so dedicated to improving the lives of their peers and enhancing the health and wellness of the Radford community," said Kenney, who is also a health educator for Student Counseling Services and Student Health Services. "Both at the conference and here on campus, they serve as wonderful role models for their peers and are strong ambassadors for RU. I hope their success will inspire others to get involved in the Peer Health Educators Club and other wellness initiatives on campus."
According to its mission statement, Bacchus Network "is a university and community based network focusing on comprehensive health and safety initiatives. It is the mission of this 501(C)(3) non-profit organization to actively promote student and young adult based, campus and community-wide leadership on healthy and safe lifestyle decisions concerning alcohol abuse, tobacco use, illegal drug use, unhealthy sexual practices and other high-risk behaviors." Learn more on the Bacchus Network website.