Rockville Centre Youth Council raises awareness

On Friday, June 10, the Rockville Centre Youth Council held its 5th Annual Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign. The theme this year was, “Follow Your Own Path. Unfollow The Crowd.”

Students from the Youth Council and representatives from the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth designed their own personal tile with a substance prevention message. Together, they were mounted on two panels and became a strong message of unity to prevent youth substance abuse. Over the summer, the panels will be on exhibit at various places in the village, and in the fall they will be permanently mounted at South Side High School. 

The Installation of Officers for the 2016-17 school year was also held that evening event. The group thanked its seniors for all their hard work and commitment, offered appreciation for the rising juniors and installed new officers.

Many government officials came to the event and participated, including Village Trustees Emilio Grillo and Edward Oppenheimer, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Councilman Brian Curran and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino.

The evening wrapped up with the showing of a Public Service Announcement that the students wrote, directed and acted in; and a musical photo video of the year in review.

The work of the Youth Council and the Coalition for Youth is ongoing through the summer as well. The summer months are some of the most dangerous times to be on the road, and statistics show that seven of the 10 deadliest days for driving occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

To help combat the epidemic of reckless and impaired riving, the Youth Council has launched a community-wide lawn sign campaign. The signs will be displayed all over the village. To get your sign and join the fight against substance abuse, just pick one up on the porch of 65 Raymond St. You can also email ramcormack@rvccoalitionforyouth.org for more information.