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Great Job

I want to shine the spotlight on something special in Clinton. Not all teens are making poor choices or partying on weekends. Many are working hard to help their peers understand the harms of vaping, drinking alcohol, and even the fatal impact of fentanyl. From Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, Morgan seniors Maddie Sacta, Ainsleigh Landino, and Riley Schmidt, and sophomore Whittney Treubig traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference with REACT. They met with Representative Joe Courtney and the aides to Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal to discuss youth mental health and substance use in our community and state. Their insights will guide decision-making on federal funding, which, as we know, is essential to maintaining services for Connecticut residents.

The bravery of these teens should be applauded and acknowledged. Walking into the capitol of our nation and conversing with those shaping our history is daunting. Having a candid conversation with our country's leaders was the chance of a lifetime, and we should be very proud of these young women. Also, while in D.C., these young ladies attended a variety of workshops, all focusing on the prevention of substance use and the promotion of mental health. They bring back with them new information and strategies that can be implemented in town both for the rest of this year and into the next.

Maddie, Whittney, Ainsleigh, and Riley's efforts in Morgan REACT and with the prevention coalition, Clinton Partners in Community, to make a positive impact are worthy of our respect and accolades. Great job to these young women.