Celebrating 21 Years of a Drug-Free Partnership

Hundreds took the the Wednesday evening, drawing attention and sending a message that drug use in Southington is unnecessary and will not be tolerated.

The crowd filled the green as speakers and groups from throughout the community including non-profit organizations, sports teams, clubs and more came together to support a drug-free community during the 21st Red Ribbon Rally supported by the Southington Drug Task Force.

"Look around you. Everyone is here," said Trish Kenefick, a member of the task force. "This is a community commitment, a time for all of us to reaffirm our commitment to a drug-free lifestyle."

The program included performances from a variety of groups and key-note speeches from town leaders, each who said as a community we can come together to live a drug-free lifestyle.

Garry Brumback, who was one of the first to speak during the hour-long program, said it takes a community to be successful. He said looking out on the crowd, he could see the commitment needed for Southington to have success.

The peer-pressure facing today's teenagers can make it hard to say no, said Assistant Principal Chris Palmieri, but studies showed that more "of your peers are saying no" than those choosing to use drugs or alcohol.

"A STEPS survey showed that 93 percent of seventh graders in town were not involved in using alcohol last year. That doesn't sound to me like everyone is doing it," Palmieri said. "Think you are alone in saying no? Look around you, you are not alone."

Students did their part to encourage one another, however, with peer advocates, cheerleaders and even members of the local Alex's Lemonade Stand project taking to the stage to encourage friends and classmates to say no.

Erica Daigle, a member of the Alex's Lemonade Stand group, said it was her passion for supporting those who've suffered with cancer that led her to join the group and her desire to succeed that allowed her to say no to drugs andd alcohol.

"Drink lemonade, don't do drugs," she said.