BLOOMINGTON -- Josh Smith didn't catch a watermelon tossed in his direction Thursday, but he did grab some healthy eating tips.

He was among 75 McLean County high school students at the Teens in Prevention fall leadership conference, which focused on healthy living.

The event, traditionally focused on avoiding drugs, was revamped by about a dozen students in YouthLEADS, a new program from McLean County Community Compact and Leadership McLean County.

YouthLEADS (leadership, engagement, awareness, development, Service) also arranged a college preparation program. The event included information on healthy body image, a food drive, skits and prizes.

"What we like is (that) these students are actually in the schools. They know the issues they would like to discuss with their peers," said McLean County Community Compact program director Emily Freese.

In the spirit of participation, Bloomington chef Paul Stroup threw food -- sweet potato, an orange, broccoli -- at students.

Smith, a Normal Community West senior, caught a lot of information. "I'm learning a lot about nutrition. It's a plus because I'm trying to lose weight," said Smith, who wants to become a U.S. Marine.

Normal Community High School senior Lauren Aussem caught the watermelon. "I really wanted it," said the cheerleader, who joked she gets practice catching "people."

"From what I can see, it looks like people are enjoying it," said Reed Heeren, a senior at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Bloomington who helped organize the event.

"We're learning to step up to the plate," said Reed.

Keynote speaker Kim McClintic, nutritionist at OSF St. Joseph Center for Healthy Lifestyles, encouraged students to "throw a garden in your mouth whenever you can."

She said students should strive to get enough grains, vegetables, fruit, milk, and meat and beans to meet their nutritional needs.