Casee Allen featured speaker at youth health day

Country singer Casee Allen was the keynote speaker at youth health day, which was held May 9 at Kids America. Josie Sellers | Beacon

Casee Allen is pictured with his friend McKenzie Clapper, who is 11 and has been a fan of Allen’s for about four years. “I became his fan because he is a great person,” she said. Josie Sellers | Beacon

COSHOCTON – Country singer Casee Allen was the special guest at youth health day on May 9, but he wasn’t there to just sing to the students in attendance.

The 2008 graduate of Coshocton High School came to the event to share his childhood story and how he overcame troubles at home.

“Take a look at the people sitting next to you,” Allen said. “You have no idea what is going on in their heads, at home or in the cafeteria.”

He then shared his getting C.A.S.E.E.’d method with them, which stands for: Character, Accountability, Surroundings, Entitlement, Effort and Discipline. Allen also introduced the students to his young friend McKenzie Clapper, who is only 11, but also knows what it’s like to overcome life’s obstacles.

“She has been through more than any of us could imagine, but she still wears that big beautiful smile on her face every day,” Allen said. “She’s truly an inspiration.”

Youth Health Day was held at Kids America and all seventh graders in the county were invited. The Family & Children First Council provided funding for the event. The county health department took the lead on organizing the event and was assisted by a committee that included school officials, members of community organizations and people from mental and medical health fields. The community also assisted by making donations for door prizes.

“I was flattered and extremely humbled to be asked to speak here today,” Allen said. “I remember what it was like to be 13 and uncertain. I was confident on the outside, but I wasn’t quite so sure on the inside. You just never know what someone is going through. They may have a smile on their face and say everything is good, but there is still something going on.”

In addition to Allen’s presentation, students also watched demonstrations by the Coshocton County Sheriff Office K-9 Unit and those who attended received information on exercise safety, nutrition, self defense, first aid, ATV safety, eating disorders, social media safety, and coping skills, met with Coshocton Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room doctor Joseph Lowe, M.D., ran the National Guard’s obstacle course, learned about cardio drumming and activities to enjoy in the great outdoors.

“We emphasize this 12-13-year-old age range because it’s an age where they might be starting to experiment with drugs, alcohol or even eating disorders,” said Shelby Smith, from the county health department. “We came together to offer them resources and teach them to take pride in their health. What they do now can really impact their future.”

Before boarding the buses back to school, each student received a bicycle helmet that was sized just for them and donated by the Coshocton Regional Medical Center.

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