WATCH: 'Note To Parents' Shows Missed Signs Of Drug Abuse By Teens

If your child’s grades start slipping, do you ask why? If they don’t come home when you expect, do you ask where they were?

These are just a couple of the questions raised in the video “A Note to Parents.’” It is the latest offering from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, as part of Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato’s effort to raise awareness of the dangers of drugs.

The video, starring students from the Performing Arts Academy in Lakehurst, tells the tale of two students who have slipped into the world of substance abuse -- one of whom dies as a result -- tragically while their parents miss all the warning signs.

The film begins with a school teacher who is writing notes to the respective parents of these teenagers, highlighting changes in their behaviors, personalities, and school work. The film takes the viewer on the unfortunate journey of drug addiction and illustrates the consequences associated with the terrible decision to be a part of that world.

The goal of the film is to give parents the tools to be able to prevent substance abuse from happening in their children’s lives. It also serves as a resource, citing steps parents can take towards early intervention and paths to resolving addiction should they suspect that their son or daughter has issues with substance abuse.

“We must continue to be proactive in every possible way attacking Ocean County’s drug crisis,” Coronato said. “These videos are a desperate effort to reach young adults before they tragically become victims of drug abuse. I’m grateful that Brian Geraghty and other celebrities with roots in Ocean County are stepping up to join our efforts. This video series is the perfect vehicle to capture teen’s attention, raise awareness, educate and hopefully prevent the tragedy of future addictions.”

“A Note to Parents” is the third film to be added to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office “Right Turn” Educational Series. These films are being distributed across the entire county in all middle and high schools, as well as, to numerous state agencies and nationally to educational and policing partners.

They are being created through the Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile Justice Division under the direction of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Anthony Pierro. The films were created in response to Ocean County’s tragic overdose death toll.

They are paid for with drug forfeiture monies seized from those arrested seeking to profit from the illegal sale of narcotics.

“Note to Parents” was produced by E-Video Productions of Toms River. Toms River native and Chicago P.D. actor Brian Geraghty introduces the film at the onset while describing the magnitude of the drug crisis in our county.

The cast consists of students and teachers from the Performing Arts Academy, which is part of the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools.

Antonio Dasti stars as Mike and Brianna Ellison is Sara, the two teens who get caught up in drug addiction. Theatre instructor Laura Grandi-Hill is the teacher, Mrs. Lucasen. Other students in featured roles are Stephanie Gulino, Bethany Harding, Joy Chanik, Rory Nilsen, Casey Conner, and Chase B. Theibault. Supporting cast and extras in the film were also students and parents from the Performing Arts Academy.

Other significant contributions to “Note to Parents” came from world renowned guitarist and rock legend Richie Sambora who contributed his musical talents to the production. Patricia Horner spoke towards the end of the film on the tragic loss of her beloved son Christopher as a result of a drug overdose. “Note to Parents” is dedicated in loving memory to her son, Christopher Horner.

Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor’s office, said Karen Homiak, principal of the Performing Arts Academy,and theatre instructor Anthony Ciccotelli, as well as Mark Houck of the school’s support staff, assisted.

“We must give special thanks to Amanda Balazs for the use of her house for filming and to the Brick Township Police Department for the use of its jail facilities during the filming of this production. All of the school scenes were filmed at the Performing Arts Academy,” Della Fave said.

The prior videos in the ”Right Turns” series were:

• “No Wasted Lives”: Guitarist Richie Sambora taped the film’s introduction, as well as, writing and performing the film’s opening music. Members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Point Pleasant Police Officers, Point Boro First Aid Squad members, Point Pleasant Board of Education members and 38 students were involved in the project. Dramatic Arts Teacher Rebecca Muraglia of Point Pleasant High School solicited student involvement, auditioned and selected the student actors.
• “Night at the Prom”: Former MLB Pitcher Al Leiter generously gave his time to tape the film’s introduction. The video was produced with the help of Brick Township Schools and focused on the danger of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A fourth video, titled “Just This One Time,” aimed at teens and intended to illustrate the perils and consequences of substance abuse, will be completed sometime in April, Della Fave said.