By: Leah Rippy/Sophomore Writer
On March 18, from 6 to 7:30 PM, the Blue Ridge School District will be hosting a Drug Awareness Event in the high school auditorium. Children aged 13-18, as well as parents and members of the community, are welcome to come and listen about topics ranging from parental awareness to the effects that drug use has on adolescent brains and many others. The Blue Ridge PTO will provide food and activities for children aged 4-12 while the event takes place. There will be babysitters and other staff on hand to watch children.
There are multiple speakers with a variety of backgrounds coming to speak on the panel. Speakers include:
Judge Jody Cordner, the District Magistrate for Northern District (which includes New Milford, Hallstead, and several other towns near Blue Ridge) who will start the event.
Sargent Joyce, with the State Police, who will speak on community awareness, including what drugs are common in the district and how having a major highway affects what enters the community.
Mr. Button, the Superintendent at Blue Ridge, will be talking about awareness in school and the different services the school provides to help those struggling with substance abuse or with friends or family that use drugs.
Mr. Joe LaBarbera, who works with Trehab, will be addressing how he started using drugs, how he got out, and what programs helped him.
Mr. Wilmarth, Director of Behavioral Health at UHS, will be talking about the effects of drugs on adolescents and what behaviors parents and friends need to look out for.
The school district will be looking forward to this event and hope to see anyone interested in attending!
