Southington Takes STEPS To Battle Youth Substance Abuse

STEPS Coalition

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Two local organizations recognized a special week dedicated to keeping youths substance-free, but their message is something they hope reverberate year round.

The Southington Drug Task Force and STEPS (Southington Town-wide Effort to Promote Success) co-hosted the annual Red Ribbon Rally last week on Oct. 18.

The rally brought youth members of 15 Southington clubs and sports teams to the Southington Town Green to reaffirm their commitment to living a substance-free life.

The rally was emceed by Southington Town Council Chairperson Victoria Triano and Southington High School Principal Michael Crocco was the keynote speaker.

He shared a personal story about losing two college friends and wrestling teammates in a drunk-driving crash.

Crocco’s message echoed the sentiments shared by many speakers that night about how the choices we make today impact our lives forever, wrote STEPS in an announcement.

Attendees also heard from State Rep. Chris Poulus, D-Southington, who honored the rally’s longtime organizer Trish Kennefick with an official citation from the General Assembly.

The citation recognized the impact of her “advocacy for and unified prevention education” on Southington families over the last three decades.

Retired Southington Police Department Deputy Chief Bill Palmieri, the president of the STEPS Advisory Board, and Southington Assistant Superintendent Frank Pepe also spoke to the students and families in attendance.

Pepe said students in the audience were leaders and tasked them with bringing the messages shared at the rally back to their peers who were not in attendance.

He stressed that adults in the community must also play a role in this work.

Palmieri reinforced this idea, saying “when young people feel valued and supported, they are more likely to develop self-esteem, confidence and positive self-image which in turn can lead to healthier choices and better decision-making.”

Following a 33-year tradition, the SHS Football team was the last group to take the stage.

SHS Football Coach Mike Drury shared words of wisdom he often tells his players, saying “you’re going to do things and be like the five friends you’re around the most ... so make the right choices and do things that are going to help make you successful.”

The Red Ribbon Rally would not be possible without the support of the Southington Town Council members and the Southington police and fire departments.

STEPS brings together representatives from 13 community sectors to "build developmental assets by providing Southington youth with relationships, opportunities and social-emotional strengths they need to live successful, substance-free lives." The Southington Drug Task Force is a school system organization dedicated to addressing substance use issues among the school population and preventing them.

For more information on STEPS, click on this link.

For more information on the Southington Drug Task Force, click on this link.