Teens encourage classmates not to smoke

The American Cancer Society celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday.

This month, the society's volunteers, staff and partners are working with schools in many parts of the state to encourage students to stop smoking, or to never start.

On Thursday, at Elk Grove High School, a group of students spearheaded efforts to educate their fellow classmates on the dangers of tobacco.

Students distributed anti-tobacco educational materials and goody bags to students who pledged not to smoke. In addition, Jim Dedera, a national expert on drug prevention education, spoke to all students that day as part of their physical education class.