Riverhead Kids Say 'No' To Drugs

RIVERHEAD, NY — Some of the smallest kids learned a big lesson recently about fighting back against addiction.

Students at the Pulaski Street Elementary School in the Riverhead Central School District wrapped up the Riverhead Community Awareness Program's yearlong anti-drug initiative with a spirited “Say No to Drugs” rally and luncheon on June 1.

The students, wearing “Drug Free Body” shirts, were originally set to march through the streets of Riverhead carrying bright signs they had created with anti-drug messages, but rainy weather moved the event indoors, district officials said.

With the colorful signs on display, the assembly featured speakers, including New York State Sen. Kenneth LaValle, who delivered anti-drug messages to an audience of students, staff and administrators.

The keynote address was given by Sgt. Sean Cassidy of the New York National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, who has volunteered for CAP’s Pulaski Street Prevention Education Program for the past several years, the district said.

Fifth-grader Owen Karlson was honored as the winner of an anti-drug essay contest sponsored by CAP. He was one of 400 students to submit an entry.

The event, a 33-year tradition, ended with a luncheon provided by the Riverhead Loyal Order of Moose Lodge.

Photo courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District.