News @ the 112

On April 17, 40 youth and adults came together at the Goldendale Grange Hall for the second annual Klickitat County Youth Prevention Summit, grounded in a simple yet powerful message: connection is the best prevention.

Hosted by the Coalition for Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County and the Goldendale High School Prevention Club, the summit gathered 32 students and 8 adult partners from across the county to share ideas, build relationships, and strengthen prevention efforts.

Throughout the morning, students participated in interactive activities that fostered collaboration and highlighted prevention work underway in their communities. A central feature of the event was a connection wall, where participants reflected on what prevention looks like in their community, a place to collect information about the prevention activities, campaigns and partners in each community throughout the county.

For many attendees, the opportunity to connect across schools and communities was the most meaningful part of the day.

Angela Kruger, a school prevention specialist in Goldendale, said students worked together toward a common goal, building friendships and a sense of pride in their efforts. By the end of the event, students from different schools were working side by side, helping clean up and continuing conversations sparked earlier in the day.

Students themselves emphasized the importance of connection in prevention. Eastin Schmoker, an 11th grader from Klickitat, said he attended the summit to learn from others with experience in prevention work. He described prevention as ensuring young people have positive opportunities, so they do not turn to substance use.

The summit also highlighted youth voices and creativity. During one activity, students engaged with “Our Stories, Our Strengths,” a publication showcasing youth artwork and expression. For one student, seeing her work in print for the first time was a meaningful moment of recognition and belonging.

“Events like this show what is possible when young people feel connected to each other and their community,” said Joy Lyons, Director of Prevention at ESD 112. “By strengthening connections today, we are helping build a healthier, more resilient community for years to come.”

Organizers say the event continues to grow in both participation and impact. Now in its second year, the summit rotates among locations across the county, with plans to host it in White Salmon next year.

The focus on connection aligns with broader prevention goals in Klickitat County, where community partners are promoting wellness through education, outreach, and youth engagement.

The Klickitat County Youth Prevention Summit continues to serve as a reminder that prevention starts with relationships and that when young people feel connected, supported and heard, they are better equipped to make healthy choices.