District 150 Students Joining In On "Don't Shoot" Campaign

PEORIA -- District 150 students are joining forces with Peoria's Don't Shoot campaign.

Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan was joined by local officials Monday in explaining to students what the Don't Shoot program means and what they can do to help.

Students took a pledge vowing to report if they hear or see illegal gun use.

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said getting students involved is pivotal to the success of the program.

A Peoria High School senior is helping to lead the student involvement. He shares with us why he's working so hard to spread the message. Harrison Hale said, "I know you can get a gun so easily, just knowing someone who knows someone but hopefully kids see this and realize what they're doing. Carrying a gun with you doesn't make you a man, it doesn't make you tough it just makes you weak so hopefully kids see that now and realize you can fight your own battles without a gun and hopefully that hits home to them."

Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady said his reports show that a teenager is more likely to die of a gunshot wound than a disease of illness.