The Berkeley County School District was recognized by the Smoke Free Lowcountry Coalition with an “Award of Excellence” at the Smoke Free Lowcountry Coalition annual meeting on Jan. 21 at the Charleston Marriott.
Martha Dunlap is the Smoke Free Lowcountry President.
“The award was given for successful adoption and enforcement of a model tobacco-free policy in support of reducing the initiation and prevalence of tobacco use by young people,” she said.
The award was accepted by school district chief human resources officer Willis Sanders and school board member Jimmy Hinson.  Sanders was heavily involved in facilitating the adoption of the new policy.
The school board approved adopting the new “Model Tobacco Free Policy” in April 2009, and the policy went into effect on July 1, 2009.  
The policy prohibits the use of all tobacco products by all students, staff and visitors anywhere on school grounds or at any school-sponsored event. It requires utilizing proven and effective science-based tobacco curricula and referral to smoking cessation services for students and staff.
For additional information or to become involved in the Smoke-Free Lowcountry Coalition, visit the coalition's website at www.smokefreelowcountry.org.