Beginning in early 2022, myself and Leah VanMeter started the Botvin Lifeskills program with two 6th grade classes (approximately 60 students) at the McCreary County Middle School. The goal of this program was to help prevent substance abuse through a series of lessons which focused on developing life skills to help deal with societal pressures, anxiety, anger, and media influence. During the course of this program, we helped students to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety and anger, and presented healthy ways to deal with their emotions. We also provided education related to drug abuse and the affects short-term decisions can have on the rest of their lives. Through this program, we developed a relationship with the students that encouraged open and honest communication. Once the program was complete, Katherine Jury submitted us for the KEAFCS/NEAFCS Award for School Wellness and Innovative Youth Development Programming, which received first place in Kentucky and will advance to the National Association for judging. Leah plans to continue the program this year to further develop that relationship with our local middle school students.