SHARE Coalition celebrates seniors for being drug-free at annual breakfast

MEDINA — High school seniors from each district in Medina County were recognized for encouraging a drug-free lifestyle at the SHARE Coalition's annual breakfast award celebration on Friday at Williams on the Lake. SHARE Coalition Chair Connie Sureck said the coalition is a group of people from local social service agencies, nonprofits, school districts, law enforcement agencies and mental health organizations that share a common goal of enhancing the lives of Medina County youth through programming that encourages non-violent drug-free living. The following seniors were recognized for embodying those principles: Justin Augustine from Buckeye Campbell Burns from Medina Caitlyn Compton from the Medina County Career Center Adison Deemer from Brunswick Addison Evans from Cloverleaf Abigail Fry from Highland Nikolaos Giatis from Highland Dominic Jackson from Wadsworth Emmett Keller from the Medina County Career Center Austin Mosgrove from Medina Kayla Shook from Cloverleaf Alanna Sted from Brunswick Alaina Stewart from Black River Aubrey Reuter from Buckeye Boyd Workman from Black River Abigail Young from Wadsworth Deemer was one of the speakers at this year's event. She spoke of the importance of groups like HUDDLE, which is a leadership program where older students mentor younger students. "I realize that the lessons I learned in these hallways have prepared me for more than just a job," she said. "They've prepared me to be a person of character. I want to leave you with a reminder. You don't need a specific title to be a leader. You just need to make choices that you are proud of." Sted, who was the other speaker this year, echoed similar sentiments about HUDDLE. She said the program helped her gain confidence, which will help her in building new relationships. "This program has reinforced my strong values to stay true to myself, to stick up and support others and to spread kindness to everyone," she said. "I sincerely believe these values will continue to follow me throughout every step of my life." The following students were recognized for their participation in the suicide prevention art contest: Junior Alistair McNeill and senior Marcas Gallagher from Medina High School won first place for the public service announcement. Syndey Schorr, Cain Hoover, and Alycen Gacek, who are in 11th and 12th grade at Medina High School, won second place for the public service announcement. Eighth grader Mallory Gabor from Wadsworth Middle School won first place for the poster contest. Sixth grader Isaac Watson from Wadsworth Intermediate School won second place for the poster contest. "The reality is, talking about (suicide) is one of the most important things that you can do because suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death," Chair of Suicide Prevention Taylor Volovar said. "Prevention starts with something simple, which is noticing, speaking up and being willing to hear about what someone else might be going through, and that's exactly what all the students did with their work." Rebecca Parkhurst from the Medina County Health Department received this year's SHARE Coalition Community Award. For the past six years, she has led the health department's tobacco and vaping prevention program and youth prevention efforts. "The community prevention award is given each year to someone who exemplifies prioritizing health prevention among Medina County youth," Director of Community Health Mike Metcalf said. "I cannot think of a better person, a better professional who deserves this award." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.