As a collective body of schools committed to the physical and mental well-being of our students, we, The Apollo Conference, strongly oppose the use of vaping and e-cigarettes among young people. Vaping poses significant health risks that are especially concerning for students, athletes, and young individuals who are still in the crucial stages of physical and cognitive development.
Vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but emerging research shows that it can cause long-term damage to the respiratory system, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. For athletes, the harmful effects of vaping can impair lung capacity, endurance, and overall physical performance, undermining the core values of health, fitness, and sportsmanship that we strive to instill in our students.
Moreover, vaping introduces students to nicotine addiction, which can have lasting effects on brain development and lead to dependence on substances that hinder personal growth and academic success. The presence of vaping in schools threatens to normalize this behavior and can set a dangerous precedent for future generations.
We believe that it is our collective responsibility to create an environment where our students are equipped to make healthy choices. This includes not only promoting physical activity but also educating and empowering our youth to resist harmful habits like vaping.
As part of our commitment to student health, we will continue to work with educators, parents, and health professionals to raise awareness about the risks of vaping and support initiatives that foster a healthier, smoke-free, and vape-free environment in our schools.
Together, we can ensure that our students prioritize their health and well-being, both on and off the field.
The Apollo Conference
Effingham High School
Mt. Zion High School
Taylorville High School
Mattoon High School
Charleston High School
Mahomet-Seymore High School
For the official statement, please click here.