hey held press conferences, helped pass laws, lobbied legislators and met the Vice President of the United States. And they are not politicians.

They are six kids leading the way in the nationwide battle against Big Tobacco who have been named the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS’ 1997 Youth Advocates of the Year for their work as young tobacco control activists.

Anna Markee’s efforts to limit tobacco advertising in her hometown of Tacoma, Washington earned her the title of the CAMPAIGN’s 1997 National Youth Advocate of the Year. As the public relations specialist for SMOOTH (Students Mobilizing Others Out of Tobacco Habits), Anna joined forces with the Washington Attorney General to pass "Truth in Tobacco Advertising" legislation in Tacoma. The ordinance bans outdoor tobacco advertising throughout the city, including on store fronts and in stadiums. And her efforts continued as she organized a community leaders’ reception for policy makers to hear her group’s concerns about tobacco advertising in its community. Further, Anna and her fellow advocates made a lasting impression on students by painting anti-tobacco murals in and around her school. Anna also helped counter tobacco industry sponsorships of sporting events by soliciting the donation of a used car, painting it to resemble a tobacco-sponsored racing car, and inviting the community to help smash it in defiance during "World No Tobacco Day." The event received significant local media coverage.

Anna, at age 17, is aware of the how persuasive tobacco advertisements can be to her friends and classmates. "Don’t be manipulated, and don’t let your peers or the tobacco industry make your decisions for you," she warns teens. "Look at tobacco advertising intelligently for what it actually is."

"[Tobacco control’s] something good to do, and it’s exciting," says Nathan Rice, the 12-year-old Central regional winner from Denver, Colorado who through his advocacy work spoke in front of the Colorado Senate in favor of a bill creating stricter punishments for minors caught with tobacco products. Not only did Nathan get a standing ovation from the senators, he helped pass the bill into a law that took effect in July 1997.

Emily Broxterman, the Midwestern regional winner, who hails from Overland Park, Kansas, helped organize an 800-student rally at the state house in Topeka, lobbied her state legislators, and played a vital role in passing in the Kansas legislature a bill to restrict youth access to tobacco products.

The CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS’ Youth Advocate of the Year Awards recognize outstanding tobacco control advocacy endeavors to promote positive youth role models. The winners act as spokespersons for the CAMPAIGN at media events, share their views on anti-tobacco issues, increase awareness of the tobacco industry’s manipulative efforts to addict kids to tobacco, and encourage kids to become more active against tobacco use in their own communities.

Noel Reynolds, the South regional winner, focused her anti-tobacco efforts on creating positive role models for young children in her community of Elgin, South Carolina. Now a freshman at the University of South Carolina, she was honored by the CAMPAIGN for her work as chairperson of the Richland Fighting Back Committee, a group of 20 high school students non-smoking role models who brought the anti-tobacco message to local elementary schools.

Nathan, Anna, Emily and Noel were joined by Chris Nava, the West regional winner, and Lara Green Spector, East regional winner, to accept their awards in Washington, D.C. April 10, 1997, a date that coincided with the CAMPAIGN’s annual Kick Butts Day. Washington activities included lobbying, talking with other young tobacco control activists and meeting Vice President Al Gore, the honorary chairperson of the Youth Advocate award gala.

"It was exciting, and definitely worthwhile," recalls Anna, who through the CAMPAIGN, has appeared on national television to talk about her advocacy work.

1997 Youth Advocates of the Year (left to right): Noel Reynolds, South regional winner (Elgin, SC); Nathan Rice, Central regional winner (Denver, CO); Anna Markee, national winner (Takoma, WA); Lara Green Spector. East regional winner (Montclair, NJ); Emily Broxterman, Midwest regional winner (Overland Park, KS); Chris Nava, West regional winner (Las Cruces, NM)

Through their advocacy work, these students have attacked an issue of global concern at the grassroots level. It has taught them that they can make a positive difference in their own communities and in the lives of others. Most importantly, it shows young people everywhere that they can help shape the future their future into one that is safe for children and smoke-free for everyone.