West Hartford Grad Wins Scholarship For Poignant Essay On Addiction's Impact

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A graduating senior from William H. Hall High School in West Hartford is among 11 students selected for Mountainside Treatment Center's 2026 Brighter Future Scholarship.

Jayvon Elston was chosen for an essay about his father, who struggled with addiction during Elston's life, according to Mountainside Treatment Center, which has sites in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

The annual scholarship, created in 2021, supports high school students whose lives have been affected by substance use and addiction.

This year's recipients are from Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Elston's essay described the complicated role his father played in his life, including the way that relationship helped motivate him academically and personally.

"When I first got to know him on a deeper level, I was able to see how smart a person he actually was, but just one who let it go to waste," Elston wrote. "Had he not been in my life when he was, I know I would have turned out very differently; I wouldn't be as smart, as decisive, or in the place that I am now."

Elston plans to pursue a future in aerospace engineering, according to Mountainside.

"Addiction is a disease that does not stay behind closed doors. It affects entire communities and touches every walk of life," said Andre Basso, chief executive officer at Mountainside Treatment Center.

Basso said the scholarship is intended to reduce stigma and help young people affected by addiction know they are not alone.

"These students give us hope," Basso said. "They are turning their pain into purpose."

Other Connecticut recipients include Ava Coffey of Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted, Lynae Eakin of New Milford High School, Peyton Elliott of Derby High School, and Rosheka Reddicks of Waterbury Career Academy.

Mountainside said applications for the 2027 Brighter Future Scholarship will open later this year.

For more information on Mountainside and the scholarship, click on this link.