Community Impact Team Announces 2026 Trusted Adult Award Winners

The North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Trusted Adult Awards. This year’s honorees include Middle School educators Heather Maiola and Jennifer Novicki, Middle School substitute teacher Jeff Strong, High School educator Kaitlin Jolibert, Hood School Adjustment Counselor Alexandra Aleksa, Youth Services Librarian Kim Lambert, Nan’s waitstaff member Susan Garrigan, Emily Dailey and Emily Lynch of the Burbank YMCA, and community member Kim Lambert. More than 30 nominations were submitted this year, recognizing adults who live or work in North Reading for the positive impact they have on local youth.

The Trusted Adult Award program highlights the vital role caring adults play in the healthy development of young people—a cornerstone of substance use prevention efforts. According to Drug-Free Communities Grant Director Amy Luckiewicz, "Having a caring adult in a child's life is a protective factor. Decades of science show us that even having one adult pay attention, ask open-ended questions, and demonstrate that they're listening can have a real impact on a child's self-esteem and help build strong core values."

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Research in child development and adolescent psychology also demonstrates that a trusted adult does not have to be a parent or guardian. This year's nominations reflected that message, recognizing individuals from a wide range of professions throughout the community.

"Every year, we get to recognize teachers," said Luckiewicz. "This year, it was especially exciting to see community members honored alongside professional educators. It was the greatest variety of occupations we've had in the program's ten-year history."

Luckiewicz also noted that the award presentations themselves are often among the most meaningful moments of the program.

"One of the best parts of this program is surprising recipients with their awards and seeing the community come together to celebrate them," she said. "For example, nearly the entire high school faculty and administration came out to support Mrs. Jolibert during her surprise presentation."

Since 2015, the North Reading Community Impact Team’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Coalition has recognized trusted adults throughout the community whose kindness, encouragement, and support help young people thrive. By celebrating these individuals each year, the Coalition hopes to reinforce the importance of positive adult relationships and inspire others to make a lasting difference in the lives of North Reading's youth.