The potential legalization of marijuana is a pressing reality Missourians must face. With only a month to go before we find out whether or not marijuana will show up on the ballots this fall, now is the time for action. Join us in this presentation to learn more about the ballot initiatives and how you can rally your community members to work towards halting the pro-marijuana campaign. Presenter Zach Thornhill, a three-time national debate qualifier, will also discuss how to respond to difficult questions you might receive from audience members who are familiar with the pro-marijuana rhetoric.  You’ll leave this presentation with the materials and knowledge you need to begin or advance a grassroots campaign to inform community organizations about the harmful effects of marijuana and what its legalization would do to our youth and our community.

Main presenter: Zach Thornhill, Lee’s Summit CARES

Zach is a senior at Lee’s Summit West High School. He is a member of the coalition Lee’s Summit CARES in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Zach occupies his time at school in IB classes, debating, playing football, shooting trap, singing in concert choir, and overseeing the German Honor Society as its president. He is a three time national debate tournament qualifier and a state football champion. Outside of school Zach enjoys hunting, fishing, trapping or anything outside. He also enjoys watching sports, especially the Kansas City Royals, with his friends. Zach plans on attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall. There he will continue his debate career and pursue a major in the field of criminal justice before attending law school in order to become a prosecuting attorney.