Dozens of students — leaders in their high schools — met with community leaders at the seventh annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit, held Thursday at the Penn State University-Schuylkill campus.

Students have been working on solutions to the opioid epidemic, meeting with government officials, prevention specialists and others to research the problem and develop prevention strategies. At the summit, students wrapped up that work and launched the new theme, “Positive Schuylkill: Live, Work and Play.”

Students interacted with representatives from the county communities and businesses in panel discussions, and also had informal discussions in breakout groups.

“It’s really growing and it’s so important to build for our future leaders,” said Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess, a key organizer of the summit, along with Kay Jones, representing Schuylkill County VISION.

“We get a lot of good ideas and information from the students, about what’s most important to them.”

Leah Zerbe, owner of Potters Farm, an organic farm in Pine Grove, took part in a panel discussion. She was joined by Kelly Preneta, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce; T.J. Fitzpatrick, cooperative education instructor at Schuylkill Technology Center, and Savas Logothetides, owner of the Wheel Restaurant, Pottsville.

“Kids want to know what they can do now,” Zerbe said. “It’s important for them to know that just because you’re in high school, doesn’t mean you can’t get things done.”

“We want them to get involved, not only in their schools, but also in their communities,” she said.

Sponsors of the Youth Summit include Schuylkill County Chamber Foundation, St. Luke’s University Health Network, PPL Electric Utilities, M&T Bank and Lehigh Valley Health Network.

For more information, contact Mandy Fitzpatrick, 570-622-6097.