As the New Year inspires students to set goals for improvement both on and off the field, a group of Paris Junior High eighth graders is turning resolutions into action. Through a student-led initiative, five young athletes are raising awareness about the impact of energy drinks on middle school students—particularly those involved in athletics.
The project is part of a community-based Future Problem Solving (FPS) program and is led by Amelia Elliott, Anna Echols, Clara Schmidt, Kennedy Moore, and Emma Donnan. Calling themselves Hype Hazard, the students are focused on helping their peers make healthier choices that support athletic performance, focus, and long-term well-being.
“We truly just want our athletic program to be the best it can be, and after research we found that energy drinks don’t contribute to that goal,” said Anna Echols.
All five students are athletes themselves, and the idea for the project grew from what they were regularly seeing at practices and competitions. After approaching former reading teacher and FPS coach Eva Dickey to serve as their sponsor, the group began an in-depth study of energy drinks and their effects on adolescents.
“Through research we discovered all the harms that drinking an energy drink comes with, and as student athletes, we want our performance to be at its peak on and off the court,” said Amelia Elliott.
As the students dug deeper, they uncovered concerns related to high caffeine levels, excess sugar, dehydration, increased anxiety, disrupted sleep, and heart-related risks—effects that impact both physical performance and mental health.
“I already knew that energy drinks were bad for you, but I am amazed about all the different problems they can cause for you mentally and physically,” said Emma Donnan.
For some team members, the research led to immediate changes in personal habits.
“I have stopped drinking energy drinks as our project has progressed, and I have noticed how much of a better athlete I have become,” said Clara Schmidt.
Kennedy Moore said the project helped her reflect more intentionally on what she was putting into her body.
“I always knew energy drinks weren’t the best for my body, especially as a young athlete, but I never really took the time to think about what I was fueling myself with,” Moore said. “After researching more in depth how energy drinks affect my performance, I am grateful to now understand the side effects and to help raise awareness for athletes just like me.”
Under Dickey’s guidance, Hype Hazard expanded their work beyond the classroom. This semester, the group participated in community events such as Christmas in Fair Park and a local pickleball tournament, where they distributed educational materials and reusable water bottles featuring their logo and social media handle. They also engaged families in conversations about healthier hydration choices.
“These ladies truly are being the change they wish to see in the world,” Dickey said. “The students not only saw a problem, but they set a goal and followed through. They are learning that leadership isn’t about age—it’s about action.”
To strengthen their message, the students also coordinated on-campus presentations by medical professionals. Pediatricians, including Dr. Aubrey Gibbs, spoke with athletic classes about the real-world effects of excessive caffeine and sugar intake on developing bodies.
“When health messages come from peers, they carry more weight,” Dr. Gibbs said. “These students are helping create awareness that can prevent long-term health issues.”
Looking ahead, Hype Hazard plans to host additional speakers on campus throughout the spring semester as well and continue participating in community outreach events throughout the year with the intention of taking their community project to state competition in Waco in April. Their work highlights the power of student voice—and how setting meaningful goals can lead to lasting change.
Community members can follow the group and stay informed about upcoming events on Instagram at @hype.hazard.cmps.
