At Herbert Hoover High School, students gather for a meaningful cause every Thursday during lunch. The TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education) Club provides a space for students to learn, share, and advocate for healthier lifestyle choices. By meeting weekly, the club helps create a positive environment for students to engage in discussions and activities to prevent tobacco, vaping, and drug use.
The club’s goal is to educate young people with the knowledge and tools to make healthy choices and avoid the harmful effects of substance use. Ms. Kasmanian holds this program in room 3201. The club’s efforts are not only focused on educating their peers but also on creating a safe, supportive space where students can talk about difficult topics.
The club uses slide presentations as a dynamic teaching method. Each week, the guest teacher Dr. Violet Mesrkhani comes in, explains the slides in detail, and encourages active participation from students by asking thought-provoking questions. This interactive approach helps students understand the facts and engage with the material.
In addition to their regular meetings, the TUPE Club members are actively involved in spreading their message beyond Herbert Hoover High School. On Monday, April 28th, 10 members of the club will be visiting Toll Middle School, located just across the street, to share their knowledge and raise awareness about tobacco use prevention to all sixth to eighth graders in the auditorium. This exciting opportunity will allow TUPE Club members to directly engage with middle school students, educating them about the risks of tobacco, vaping, and substance use.
Every student in the club will have the chance to participate in the presentation. Students who volunteer to be part of TUPE earn one hour of community service for each lunch session that they attend, as well as pizza. It’s a great chance for the club members to practice public speaking, connect with the younger generation, and benefit the community.
Ms. Kasmanian, who has been a supporting force as the TUPE Advisor behind the success of the TUPE Club, shared her thoughts on the importance of the club, “Joining the TUPE club is one of the most empowering choices a high school student can make. It’s more than just a club—it’s a movement that encourages leadership, advocacy, and positive change. Our students educate their peers about the dangers of tobacco, vaping, and substance use while promoting healthy lifestyles. By being part of TUPE, students develop confidence, public speaking skills, and a passion for making a real difference in their community. Together, we are shaping a healthier future.”
I spoke to some students from the club and here are their experiences, Elizabeth Alfonso (26) “TUPE has broadened my horizons since I’ve been participating in this club since 2023, 2 years now. I have been able to take leadership opportunities, especially with the presentation we do at the end of the year. Giving back to the community, the younger Toll kids have been the best reward from this program and I’m happy to do it every year.
The TUPE Club is, passionate about promoting healthy choices, supporting your peers, and helping to make a difference in your community, consider joining. Every student is welcome, and every voice matters. Together, we can empower each other to make better choices and lead healthier lives.
