Superintendent Michael S. Nelson is pleased to report that Chris Herren was the keynote speaker at an all-school assembly at the end of the school year, at Old Rochester Junior High School.
The assembly, sponsored by the Tri-Town town nurses through grant funding from the Southcoast Public Health Collaborative (SCPHC), aimed to educate students about the critical issues of substance use disorder and wellness, with a focus on vaping.
Herren, a former professional basketball player and person in long-term recovery, has shared his powerful story with over 1,000,000 students, athletes and community members since 2009. His presentations spark honest discussions on substance use and wellness, challenging audiences to rethink their perspectives on addiction and emphasizing the importance of prevention education.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Chris Herren speak to our students,” said Superintendent Nelson. “His message of resilience, recovery and the importance of making positive choices aligns perfectly with our commitment to student wellness and education.” He added, “I am especially thankful for JHS School Nurse Linda Deveau, who worked with the Tri-Town nurses to make this event possible.”
Principal Silas Coellner echoed these sentiments, adding, “Our students were eager to learn from Chris Herren’s experiences. His ability to connect with young audiences and foster a deeper understanding of substance use and wellness is invaluable. We are grateful to the Tri-Town town nurses and the SCPHC for making this event possible.”
This assembly was part of the district’s ongoing efforts to address the impact of substance use and promote mental health among students. The SCPHC, utilizing funding from the Public Health Excellence Grant, supports initiatives like these to bring impactful speakers to the community, fostering a well-informed and healthy environment for young people.
“Our school nurse noted the remarkable impact of such presentations on our students,” said Principal Coellner. “Their engagement and attentiveness during these sessions underscore the importance and effectiveness of bringing real-life experiences into our educational programs.”