When I am not shooting weddings and portraits, I can sometimes be found wearing my “state of Vermont” contract photographer’s hat, covering events or marketing campaigns for one of the many state agencies that require my services.
Last Wednesday, I had the joy of photographing the VKAT (Vt. Kids Against Tobacco) State House Rally in Montpelier. Students from 51 different middle schools across Vermont gathered for the event, sponsored by the Vt. Department of Health. The day celebrated youth empowerment and the success throughout 2009 of VKAT programs in reaching more than 21,000 Vermonters with tobacco prevention and education activities.
It was an awesome site, seeing these hundreds of kids meet up at the Montpelier Middle School and then, after a great breakfast and some speakers, march together to the State House with all of their banners –and enthusiasm!
At the State House, the students visited with legislators, gave presentations to their peers and had a question-and-answer session with Governor Jim Douglas in the House chambers. They peppered the Governor with questions on how to make Vermont totally smoke-free and healthy. His advice was to keep advocating and to keep educating.
As one girl advertised on her sweatshirt, “Are you cool? Here’s the rule: DON’T SMOKE!”
Group shot:
Breakfast at Montpelier Middle School:
The march begins…
Meeting the legislators..
The Governor gets an education:
I just LOVED Mr. GROSS MOUTH!!!
One final pose on the state house steps…
