Choices Unfiltered

What students think their peers are doing often matters more than what’s actually true. In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, we sit down with David Sherrell, Editor-in-Chief of the EmpowerED Library, to explore how social norms shape the way middle and high school students see substance use—and themselves.

We dig into why misperceptions about peer behavior are so common, how media and culture fuel them, and the ways schools can flip the script to promote healthier, more accurate norms. David also shares insights on the power of student voice, the role of storytelling, and why positive peer influence might be one of the strongest prevention tools we have.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or just curious about what really drives teen choices, this conversation shines a light on the small shifts that can make a big difference.

Laela, a high school senior who recently graduated at just 16, returns to Teen Talk to share what it’s like to navigate one of life’s biggest transitions. In this episode, we talk about the emotions, uncertainties, and growth that come with closing one chapter and stepping into the next — whether that’s college, work, or the unknown.

Laela opens up about the support systems, protective factors, and self-awareness that are helping her stay grounded. This conversation speaks to all teens facing change — and reminds us that healthy choices and strong connections can make all the difference along the way.

#preventionsju #showupforyou #letstalkaboutit #transitions

In this episode, we're back with Taylor Moran, Assistant Director of Prevention Academy, to continue our conversation on emotional well-being—this time with a focus on the summer months. While summer often brings a break from school and more free time, it can also create new emotional challenges for middle and high school students. Taylor shares insight into how young people can stay emotionally grounded, manage summer stressors, and make choices that support their mental health and overall well-being.

#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #showupforyou #emotionalwellbeing #keepinghealthykidshealthy

This special episode of Choices Unfiltered is our heartfelt tribute to an incredible year of growth, connection, and prevention.

Join us for an Audio Yearbook that celebrates the inaugural school year of Prevention Academy, where we reached over 10,000 students with substance use prevention programming across Delaware County. You'll hear powerful reflections from our faculty leaders, Prevention Specialists, new trainees, school partners, and students—all sharing what this year meant to them.

Whether you were part of this year or just want a window into what prevention looks like in action—this episode is for you.

We love you, Delco. ❤️

#preventionsju #showupforyou #wedontwalkalone #schoolsoutforsummer #celebrateeachother

As the school year comes to a close, Choices Unfiltered takes a pause from its usual format to honor the Class of 2025 with a special episode just for them.

In this tribute, Editor in Chief of The EmpowerED Library, David Sherrell, shares two powerful letters written to graduates—one for those surrounded by proud families, and one for those who may have walked a lonelier road. These letters, read aloud by the author, acknowledge the complexity of this milestone moment and the many different journeys it took to get here.

#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #showupforyou #2letters1message

In this episode, we take A Look Inside the powerful connection between emotional well-being and substance use prevention. Our guest, Taylor Moran, Assistant Director of Prevention Academy, joins us for an honest and insightful conversation about how emotional health plays a critical role in the choices young people make. Stay tuned for a compassionate and eye-opening take on why emotional well-being matters more than ever.

Jackie Perez, a prevention specialist with Prevention Academy, is going to help clear the air around the topic of nicotine. In this episode, Jackie opens up about her personal experience with nicotine and shares with us what some of the conversations have been like in the classroom. This one's going to hit home for many of us. Stay tuned!

#preventionsju #showupforyou #wedontwalkalone #putdownthevape #saynotonicotine

Today, we're continuing the conversation with Erin Ryan, a Prevention Specialist at Prevention Academy. She will be talking with us about protective factors, why they matter, and how we can recognize them in our lives. Stay tuned in and let's get talking.

#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #letstalkaboutit #showupforyou #protectivefactors

In this Teen Talk episode, we sit down with Laela, a high school senior in Montgomery County, to unpack some of the realities of marijuana in today's teen world.

From shifting social norms to peer pressure, Laela shares her firsthand perspective on how marijuana shows up in everyday life for students. We also dive into key facts and insights from Prevention Academy’s classroom discussions—busting myths and highlighting the impact of this often-polarizing topic. Stick around - it's going to be a fun chat!

#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #letstalkaboutit #showupforyou

Today, we will be talking about Risk Factors for addiction and how they may present themselves in our lives. We are speaking with Erin Ryan, a Prevention Specialist with Prevention Academy, who will review the F.A.C.T.S. model that Prevention Academy uses to help assess risk. It's going to be a great conversation - stay tuned!

#preventionsju #riskfactors #showupfor you #keepinghealthykidshealthy