Patrick Reynolds, the grandson of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds, spoke last Monday at Butler and Eastmont middle schools as part of Red Ribbon Week. Reynolds is Executive Director of the Foundation for a Smokefree America, and is among the most high-profile and well-known advocates for a smoke-free society.

Reynolds, who denounced the tobacco industry in testimony to Congress, has lobbied for passage of anti-tobacco policies and legislation. He is especially interested in spreading his tobacco-free message to teenagers who, according to research, are the most likely to begin using tobacco.

Reynolds, who “turned his back” on his family’s tobacco empire after his father died from a smoking-related illness, showed images demonstrating how the tobacco industry has targeted youth. “This is evil stuff,” he told students about Big Tobacco’s marketing machine. “They just care about making a buck at the expense of your precious, precious health.”

See the media coverage of Reynolds’ speech:
Click here and here to watch two Fox 13 reports from Butler Middle School.
Click here to see KSL-TV Channel 5’s report, as well as listen to KSL Newsradio’s interviews with Butler Middle School students.
Click here here to read the Deseret News’ account of the event.