Local Youth Leaders Mobilize Against Tobacco Industry Marketing at Statewide Summit, Earn Youth Ambassador of the Year Awards

Despite significant progress in reducing youth vaping in New York, more than one in 10 high school students still use e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouch use is rising in popularity. As manipulative tobacco marketing continues to attract and addict young people to nicotine, local teens are stepping up to advocate for a tobacco-free future.

Two area students recently joined more than 100 teens from across the state at SUNY Oswego for the three-day All-Around New York Youth Summit, designed to inform, involve and inspire them to counter the tobacco industry’s influence in their home communities.

In addition to participating in the summit, Winnie Jiang, recognized as Youth Ambassador of the Year, and Ved Deshmukh, recognized as 2026 Western Regional Youth Ambassador of the Year were honored for their exceptional commitment to tobacco-free advocacy and community engagement through Reality Check activities.

“From Vape Take Back Day and Smoke-Free Movie Night to tobacco litter pickups, and from encouraging peer involvement to educating local and state officials, Reality Check has been an incredibly fulfilling experience that has helped me grow as both an advocate and a leader. I initially became involved in this fight against the tobacco industry because of a personal connection: my father is a lifelong smoker. As I’ve continued on this journey, I’ve been encouraged by the positive changes I see in my community and the friendships I’ve built through this growing movement. The openness and willingness of adults to listen to youth voices continue to fuel Reality Check’s mission. I will continue my work in public education through awareness campaigns and encourage other young people to join me,” said Winnie Jiang, Grade 11, Eastridge High School

“My time as a youth advocate has taught me that meaningful change begins with compassion, education and the courage to speak up. Through Clear Lungs Bright Futures, I have developed valuable skills in public speaking and health education that have inspired both my peers and me to take action against tobacco use. By educating classmates, engaging community leaders and advocating for prevention, I’ve seen how one voice can inspire many others. That experience strengthens my commitment to counter the tobacco industry’s influence and help create a healthier future for the next generation,” said Ved Deshmukh, Grade 11, Pittsford Sutherland High School

Vaping declines, but e-cigarettes remain popular among youth

According to the 2024 New York Youth Tobacco Survey, e-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among high school students. Efforts by the New York State Tobacco Control Program have helped reduce youth e-cigarette use from 18.7% in 2022 to 13.1% in 2024. Despite this progress, more than one in 10 youth still use e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouch use among high school students doubled during the same period.

Teens prepare to take action

During the three-day summit, teens developed leadership, communication and community-organizing skills through workshops, storytelling training and the creation of educational displays. They also planned and practiced activities they will implement in their local communities.

Their goal is to raise awareness about industry tactics that normalize tobacco use, including the marketing of sweet-flavored, low-cost products that appeal to young people and make it harder for current users to quit.

The teens are members of Reality Check, a program of the Smoking and Health Action Coalition of Livingston and Monroe Counties and part of New York State’s Tobacco Control Program, funded by the New York State Department of Health. Reality Check is a youth-led movement that empowers young people to become community leaders. Supported by adults, the initiative exposes the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.