More than 650 teen and adult advocates from across Tennessee gathered July 19–21 for the 2026 TNSTRONG Youth Summit, "NICOTINE FREE: It's in Our Nature” marking the largest conference in TNStrong state history. This year marked the state’s 10th anniversary and Scotts Hill High School's 5th year to attend the youth-led tobacco and nicotine prevention summit at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Each year the summit brings together students, educators, public health leaders, and community organizations committed to promoting healthier, nicotine-free schools and communities. During this three-day conference, participants took part in leadership development, interactive workshops, community action planning, and educational sessions led by state/nationally recognized public health advocates.
Henderson County was well represented at this year's summit, with twelve SHHS Teen Health Council members attending. Members pictured above left to right included Carlee Horton, Malyah Bedwell, Kloey Cox- ‘26Alumni, Tracy Brewer TNStrong Ambassador, Kenlie Wallace, Annabella Roach, Savannah Whitaker, Marco Pedraza, Lilly Etheridge, Trevor Johnson, Leanna Wyatt, and Milo Peeples. Our attendees had full schedules and participated in a regional planning session with teens from across West Tennessee where they worked to develop activities for the upcoming school year. Our Teens were accompanied by four chaperones from SHHS including: Amanda Branson, FCCLA advisor; Michelle Harrington, HOSA advisor; Christie Jones, SHHS school nurse; and Jeremy Brewer, ambassador parent. Opportunities like this are made possible through the dedication and planning of TNSTRONG event organizers and Tennessee Department of Health Henderson Count Youth Health Educator Amber Staten.
The annual summit equips young people with the leadership skills, knowledge, and resources needed to become effective advocates for tobacco and nicotine prevention. Students return to their schools and communities prepared to educate their peers, lead prevention initiatives, and promote healthier lifestyles across Tennessee.
The TNSTRONG Youth Summit continues to serve as one of Tennessee's premier youth leadership events, empowering the next generation to make a lasting impact in the fight against tobacco and nicotine use.
Scotts Hill High School Henderson County Teen Health Council wants youth throughout the county to know that protecting your potential is a personal decision, but no one has to do it alone. The council is committed to building a supportive community that encourages healthy choices and helps young people build confidence and leadership through healthy initiatives.
If you or someone you know is ready to quit using tobacco or nicotine products, help is available. Quitting takes commitment, dedication, and can be one of the hardest challenges a person faces, but support is available every step of the way. As we move forward we are reminded "Quitting looks different for everyone, and that's OK” and “Protecting your Potential is ultimately up to you!”
For free support, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text "QUIT" to 615-795-0600.