Charlie gets a goodbye surprise

By John Behling
Charlie Sutton received quite a shock last Tuesday when Go Make a Difference (Go MAD) threw him a party to mark his retirement after eight years of helping the North Branch School District raise awareness on the dangers of tobacco use.
Sutton and his wife Jen were met in the parking lot by Chemical Health Coordinator Ellen Hoiland who then took him by decorated cart (the Charliemobile) through the halls of North Branch Middle School. Sutton was met by applause from students and teachers along with a steady chorus of ìThank you, Charlie.î
Sutton has been a powerful speaker against tobacco, becoming involved with the school after surviving cancer and a laryngectomy.
North Branch School District offers a class for persons who violate the schoolís tobacco policy. Sutton assisted with the class which has been available for 10 years. Sutton also spoke to students and encouraged them to sign a ìStudentsí No Use Pledgeî aiming to support others in their right to remain chemically healthy, to inform other students of the benefits of being chemically healthy and to participate in and promote chemically healthy, fun activities.
Tuesday also marked Global No Tobacco Day, celebrated for the first time in the North Branch School District.
Go MAD is a volunteer organization of around 15 6th- 8th-graders. Hoiland counts on the students to assist with chemical awareness and prevention-related events, many times calling her members into action on last minute notice.

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