Left to right: NBA Representative, Paula Jacobson, Executive Director YMCA of Greater Boston, June RAY of Hope Hannah Wolfield, Katy Colthart, Clinician at Youth Services
June 2016 Recipient – Hannah Wolfield
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Hannah is a junior at Needham High School. She was nominated by Karen Mullen the adviser of Students Advocating for Life without Substance Abuse or SALSA for her volunteer work with the club. SALSA is a peer leadership and mentoring program for students who chose to abstain from alcohol and other drugs. Hannah chooses to refrain from drugs and alcohol because she wants to be a good role model for her younger brother. Hannah joined SALSA as a freshman and quickly became one of the most active club members, she was asked to join the leadership team in her sophomore year. As a part of SALSA, Hannah presents to middle school kids at Pollard, she explains her life choices of not using drugs or alcohol and teaches them refusal skills. She tells students not to let anyone force them to do something they don’t want to do and to practice “saying no” before encountering high risk situations.
Hannah’s many accomplishments consist of presenting at the middle school Parents Conference to discuss how parents can help their children say no, speaking at the 8th grade assembly to help them transition to high school each spring. Planning substance free events at the NHS, such as the Winter Coffee House and the 5th Quarter a substance free event during football season. She also helps recruit new SALSA members at NHS step up day. “I am constantly amazed when I think that Hannah is just a junior in high school, considering all the work she has done to date to help Needham Students stay healthy and safe. “ says Karen.
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Hannah has started the first book club at NHS and plans to carry it out till the end of her senior year. In the future she would like to teach and give kids the same love of reading and writing she has.” I know she will accomplish all of the goals she has set for herself,” states Karen.
Watch the ceremony honoring Hannah at: https://youtu.be/zxKx5kovF60
For more information please visit www.needhamma.gov/youth/ray
