Seniors advocate against drug use

After Cooper Davis passed away after he overdosed on Fentanyl in August 2021, his mother Libby Davis has worked to spread awareness of the dangers of illegal drug usage by starting the Keepin’ Clean For Coop foundation in Cooper’s honor. Cooper would have graduated with the class of 2023.

The events Libby and her friends and family organized helped inform the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

“The biggest event that we hold is probably the Fighting Fentanyl 5K that we do in the summer. So we planned an event to draw people and then that gave us the opportunity to share Cooper’s story and educate the people that attended,” Libby said. “We’ve partnered with several other businesses and organizations in schools to provide awareness and education.”

Senior Taylor Smith, who was close friends with Cooper, worked with the Keepin’ Clean For Coop foundation in order to keep Cooper’s legacy alive. 

“Cooper and I grew up as neighbors, we hung out all the time and we became best friends,” Smith said. “I helped run the Fighting Fentanyl 5K and promoted his vigil. I still talk about him. He was one of my best friends.”

Senior Grant Werner, also close friends with Cooper, said attending the events helped educate himself and others. 

“Being at and seeing the events gives me peace of mind knowing that awareness is being spread about fentanyl,” Werner said. “I want the school to keep talking about the cause so that kids and parents can keep learning about the dangers or drug use.”

Smith said that using Cooper’s name in the Keepin’ Clean For Coop foundation helped aid in sharing Cooper’s story throughout the community. 

“It’s important because it is very personal and keeping his name in the slogan hits home for a lot of people and anyone who has lost someone they love to drugs,” Smith said. “If anyone is struggling, ask for help. It shouldn’t be a bad topic and it should be talked about.”

Werner said Cooper’s death should be a warning to others. 

“From personal experiences, anyone who is experimenting with drugs, please talk to someone,” Werner said. “No one is there to get you in trouble. Your life is more important than you know and you should keep it safe.”

Losing teens to illegal drug usage reached dangerous levels in recent years, and Libby said it was most important to her to prevent more tragedy.

“We want to save lives, and as hard as it is to tell Cooper’s story over and over, ultimately we want to make sure a lot of good comes out of it,” Libby said. “We want his story and his legacy to save families from complete devastation.”