Sarah Buchholtz
Features Editor
On Friday, Sept. 12, Peer Health Education hosted its annual ‘Booze Clues’ event — an Alcohol/Other Drug (AOD) Safety Fair held on the Academic Quad from 3 to 5 p.m. The event aimed to educate the campus community about safe practices regarding alcohol and drug use through interactive activities, themed booths and peer-to-peer conversation.
Adeline Adjei ’26, one of the student program directors, stated that the group’s work was important. “[The organization] is really important because we get to empower people to really take control of their health and make their own decisions whilst giving credible information on how to help yourself,” she said.
Five booths, each focusing on a different aspect of alcohol or substance use, were set up on the Academic Quad. Students were invited to stop by, participate in activities and take home free items as reminders of the lessons and information they learned. Director of Peer Health Education and Community Health Promotion Rachel David, Student Program Directors Adjei and Soren Colfax ’26 and several other interns ran the booths. Jackson Schaeffer ’27, a peer health educator, helped to set up the event.
“We are dedicated to creating a healthier campus through education and social interaction,” Schaeffer said. “There’s a lot of presenting and a lot of sharing the information that I’ve learned.
The fair used themed stations and activities to help students engage with the material in an approachable way.
“We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to encourage you to stay safe,” Adjei said. “At our specific table, we [were] talking about blood alcohol content and standard drinks, but every table has its own unique theme.”
The event also reflects Peer Health Education’s broader mission of creating a campus culture where students can openly speak about wellness and safety. “When I first started working here in 2016, I knew that we needed to have a student-focused group that openly taught other students about a wide range of health topics,” said David. Throughout the year, the organization hosts programs on topics ranging from nutrition to sexual health. By mixing education with more interactive and collaborative formats, Peer Health Educators can break down stigmas that prevent students from seeking help or information. David suggested that these peer-led fairs are impactful.
“It is important to have a student-focused group that [teaches] other students because people learn better from their peers. And it is more meaningful,” David said. “Also, if we teach students to teach other [students] then we’re hoping that we can start to change behaviors on campus.”
At ‘Booze Clues,’ students interacted with different stations that covered signs of drug overdose and alcohol poisoning, strategies for safer drinking and approaches for resisting peer pressure. In addition to educational resources, students participated in activities to help further their learning.
“I love to help the campus in any way that I can… [by] providing all this health information for people to make better decisions for themselves feels good to do,” said Kenneth Karenzi ’26, one of the students working at the booths as well as the digital intern for the organization.
Peer Health Education will host additional events addressing other aspects of students’ well-being as the semester continues. ‘Booze Clues’ was the kick-off to the semester, and a reminder that learning about wellness can be educational, fun and impactful.
The organization’s next event, ‘Sex on the Quad,’ will focus on sexual health and be held on the Academic Quad on Sept. 26.
Students interested in learning more about Peer Health Education can reach out to Rachel David, the Director of Peer Health Education and Community Health Promotion, at rdavid@wooster.edu.