Over the course of their years at Superior High School, seniors Hillary Stevens, Rhandy Cox, Nicole Stroot and Kinzie Cooper have competed against other District C schools in a variety of sports.

But according to Stevens, there was always something missing. Always a lack of community and socializing beyond competing.

“We were talking about doing this tobacco free and healthy event,” Stevens said.

“My grandma works at the health department and has all of these coalitions so we came together and said ‘what can we do to create a healthy event for kids in our community’ and even more of the district community.”

The result of that question is an event that will take place on Friday at the Superior Old Schoolhouse Gym.

“It’s this big, formal dance kind of really relatable to prom and it’s supported by Buckle Up Montana, Drug Free Communities and the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program,” Stevens said.

“The whole purpose of it is just to create a really healthy thing for kids to do because in a small town there’s not a lot to do. I think it’s really hard to talk to kids, especially in high school, about not doing drugs and drinking so I figured let’s turn the switch and create something to do where we are not doing drugs and drinking.”

Stevens said she hopes the event will become a tradition in Mineral County and create a yearly healthy activity for kids to participate in.

The entire event has been created and inspired by students. All of the District C schools were invited and Stevens said they talked to all of the guidance counselors at the schools to nominate two boys and girls who exemplify the drug free lifestyle the event represents.

“We all know each other from sports and stuff but we never get together because we are so far away,” Stevens said.

“So I thought to combine that with a healthy event to hang out with the people you know already and expand your social boundaries.”

The dance kicks-off at 8 pm on Friday, for more information on the event students can search “District Formal – Elevate and React” on Facebook.