Students from all over the state were rocking out in Mankato Thursday and they did so for a cause.
With plenty of music from Twin Cities performers, students from schools across the state took part in Youth Jam; an event to promote kids staying sober.
"Using drugs and alcohol is dangerous and there are long term consequences like college or later in life, things like that," said Edina senior Sarah Engbretson who is a member of the school's Sober Squad.
Kids from groups like the Sober Squad got together for the event that was sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Drunk Driving.
"It's really cool to see how many other schools there are that may not have the population of students that we do, but they still want to have a solid sober population," said Edina sophomore Coleman Foley who is also a member.
In addition to the fun that the students had watching the performers, they also spent a lot of time in sessions today with advice on how to help other kids stay sober as well.
"Like how to create a youth group and what strategies work and what may not work and how to get the word out about what we're talking about and what we do," said Engbretson.
Members of Edina's Sober Squad spoke at two of the breakout sessions during the first half of the day.
They speak to middle–schoolers and other students about abstaining from drugs and alcohol and give kids advice on how to have fun without being under the influence.
"It's a good way to influence and set a good example for kids that may be mislead, kids that may be on the fence, and just show people out there that there are kids out there who are doing the right thing because you only hear about kids that are doing the wrong thing unfortunately," said Foley.
As the students got a day off from school and the chance to listen some music, they're hoping to lower the number of kids who drink or use drugs and increase the health and safety of their peers.
Thursday's Youth Jam was held at the Verizon Wireless Center.
Organizers and groups hope that more schools will use tools they learned today to start sober groups at their schools as well.
