Griffen Dahlstrom named IHSAA Role Model

Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Griffen Dahlstrom

High school student-athletes in Putnam County don't have to make it to the pros to appear larger than life on posters, sports schedules and trading cards. By achieving high grades, enjoying athletic success and displaying superior citizenship one local high school student has been given the chance to be part of the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Role Model Program, and be featured on all three.

The IHSAA Role Model Program, sponsored locally by Putnam County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, addresses vital health and wellness issues concerning teens, such as abstaining from tobacco use, while encouraging students to embrace their role model status in the community.

Griffen Dahlstrom has been selected to represent North Putnam high school for the 2008 fall sports season. North Putnam will receive 200 customized posters and 1,000 pocket schedules featuring Dahlstrom. In total, 128 students from 116 Indiana high schools are participating in the 2008-2009 Role Model Program.

This year's materials carry the headline "I Have What it Takes to be Tobacco Free." Educators are encouraged to display the posters and distribute the pocket schedules in their high school, the middle and elementary schools that feed their high school, and in local businesses throughout the community. The IHSAA and Putnam County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation handle all costs related to this program.

Dahlstrom was nominated to represent his high school in the program by school administrators. He also signed a pledge agreeing to be tobacco, drug and alcohol free and serve as a positive role model in the community.

"Student-athletes like Griffen are achieving at high levels in their schools," said IHSAA Commissioner Blake Ress. "They are excellent role models and are committed to making the right lifestyle choices. Many are heroes in their home communities."

According to statistics from the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency, more than 10,200 Indiana youth become new daily smokers each year. One in three will die from smoking-related diseases. The IHSAA and Putnam County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation believe that the Role Model Program will help to combat these statistics and reduce tobacco use among Indiana teens.

"All of our role models lead healthy and productive lives," added Ress. "We know that many in the community look up to them. Being a role model is a big responsibility. I'm pleased that this year's nominees have agreed to live their lives in a way that will be a good example for others."

For more information regarding the IHSAA and the Role Model Program call 317-633-1456.

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  • He is a true role model for any kid. I have coach against this young man, I know this young man is and outstanding and works very hard for the things he has.

    -- Posted by Deez35 on Wed, Aug 20, 2008, at 1:38 AM
  • Great guy, great family, great choice for others to look up to. Nice work, Griffen!

    -- Posted by FedExguy on Wed, Aug 20, 2008, at 4:23 PM
  • Congrads, Hopefully this will inspire other young men to be as upstanding!

    -- Posted by wow515 on Wed, Aug 20, 2008, at 5:31 PM
  • This article just gives a small glimps as to the kind of rare qualities this young man has. I am the mother of two boys, one is 21 years old and the other is 14. Recently my older son has left the country to be a missionary in Uruguay. This has my 14 year longing for the example and crucial influence that will be missing from his life until November of next year. He especially misses him during football season. I recently approched Griffen and asked him if he would be intrested in taking time out of his very busy schedule to throw the ball with my son as he wanted to try out for 8th grade q.b. To my delight Griffen said he would be glad to help out. He spent a whole week 2 hours a day with him. The saying is "you get what you pay for" but what I got for the money I payed Griff to practice with my son was way more than I ever expected. (Money in which I would have spent at a passing camp where one coach works with about 50 or more kids and in which Griffen was reluctant to take from me.)I realized that its not about the position my son gets or even that he practices. I don't care if he sits the bench the whole season! Its about this kind of person that I want him to become and the example that Griffen gave to him for that week of "just being there". Thanks Griff, I can't think of a better guy to be a role model for my son while his big brother is away dedicating his time to the Lord.

    -- Posted by scubagal on Thu, Aug 21, 2008, at 7:21 AM
  • I would agree that North Putnam--especially the kids, really need an example of a kid with academics and great sportsmanship. These kind of traits will serve him,anyone well when they get out into the "real world." Real nice job young man.

    -- Posted by image77 on Thu, Aug 21, 2008, at 11:05 AM
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