Three members of the What Up Wit Dat??? Teen Coalition have been recognized for the community service hours they performed as part of the drug and alcohol awareness group.

Michael Bilbo, 16, the son of Lynn and Sandra Bilbo and a student at Porters Chapel Academy; Laura Benson, 17, the daughter of Susan Benson and a student at Warren Central High School; and John Whitehead, 16, the son of Melissa Whitehead and a student at Warren Central, were awarded certificates last week for contributing the most to the group’s 555 service hours from June 2008 to May 2009. Michael had 46 hours; Laura had 31.5; and John had 31.

The WUWD??? Teen Coalition is a branch of the Make A Promise Coalition, which falls under programs offered by Warren-Yazoo Mental Health. The group works to reduce underage drinking and the use of tobacco and other drugs. In the past year, members held four events, participated in four conferences, sponsored two initiatives and manned four health fair booths.

The coalition also recognized 10 graduating seniors: Hannah Barrett, the daughter of Larry and Debbie Barrett, St. Aloysius High School; Alanna Buckley, the daughter of Mary Everette, St. Al; Cameron Smith, the son of Nichelle Smith, Vicksburg High School; Mary Quinn DeRossette, the daughter of Tim and Lucy DeRossette, Vicksburg High; Paul Velazquez, the son of Gerardo and Vivian Velazquez, Vicksburg High; Katie Greer, the daughter of Fred and Lisa Burkhalter, Porters Chapel; Travis Thornell, the son of Robert and Amelia Thornell, Porters Chapel; Zachary Greer, the son of Lisa and Paul Greer, Warren Central; Katie Heath, the daughter of Ronnie and Amy Heath, Warren Central; and Sophia Vollor, the daughter of Frank and Terri Vollor, Warren Central.

The next WUWD???-sponsored event will be a free drive-in movie the evening of June 21 at the Outlets at Vicksburg. Participants are asked to bring school supplies to donate to community agencies.

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Contact Andrea Vasquez at avasquez@vicksburgpost.com