Published in the May 17, 2018 edition

By GAIL LOWE

WAKEFIELD — Three graduating seniors from Wakefield Memorial High School’s Class of 2018 received awards at the WAKE-UP annual meeting and breakfast held Tuesday, May 15 at the Crystal Community Club on Preston Street.

The seniors were Marissa Hoffman, Jared Hurley and Tommy Lucey. Each student was singled out for their extraordinary work in the peer-to-peer program as well as teaching younger students that behaviors such as vaping are dangerous and “uncool.”

WAKE-UP (Wakefield Unified Prevention) is a community based coalition of residents, businesses, organizations, professionals and advocates who work together to promote a healthy community environment.

WAKEFIELD POLICE DEPUTY CHIEF CRAIG CALABRESE is shown presenting WAKE-UP’s Community Award to State Representative Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus and Wakefield) at the WAKE-UP annual meeting and breakfast held Tuesday, May 15 at the Crystal Community Club. At left is WAKE-UP Coalition Director Catherine Dhingra. (Courtesy Photo)

During his remarks following an introduction by sophomore Claire Curry, incoming Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doug Lyons said that it is “difficult to be a student in 2018.”

“Today’s students are inundated with messages, and there’s been an uptick in anxiety. They’re struggling with who they should be and what they should be,” he said.

Lyons also spoke about a social/emotional philosophy currently being promoted in the state’s schools concerning students “knowing what they need to know.”

“Teachers are trying to keep up,” he said. “Changes are coming at lightning speed, and this means helping students to understand the needs of other students and becoming self aware.”

Lyons pointed to a recent incident at the Galvin Middle School where negative graffiti was found. After discussions about the graffiti, it was decided to bring high school students to the middle school to educate the younger students about graffiti and its harmful effects.

Lyons also said that he is grateful for the high school’s partnership with WAKE-UP.

Youth Action Team Leader Billy Stevens later introduced the recipient of the Trusted Adult Award — high school teacher James Martin.

The annual meeting opened with comments from WAKE-UP Coalition Director Catherine Dhingra and Youth Action Team Leader and sophomore Paige Dube.

Among those recognized for their commitment to the work of WAKE-UP were Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kim Smith, School Committee member Colleen Guida, Wakefield-Melrose-Reading Health Director Ruth Clay, Board of Health Chairman Laurel Gourville, State Representatives Donald Wong (R-Saugus and Wakefield), Paul Brodeur (D-Melrose) and Chief Development Officer of the Stoneham-Wakefield Boys & Girls Club Anthony Guardia.

Wakefield Police Deputy Chief Craig Calabrese also commented on the what is being done in his Department, including the positive work handled by School Resource Officers Kelley Tobyne, Jason Skillings and Michael Pietrantonio, and the role Narcan is playing in reducing deaths from drug overdoses.

Calabrese then presented Rep. Wong with the Community Award for his work and support of WAKE-UP. In a recent vote, Rep. Wong said that 158 state representatives and 40 senators decided to raise the age to 21 for the purchase of vapes.

During Dhingra’s comments about WAKE-UP’s highlights of the year, she said that the Coalition’s projects have been taken to the state level.

Other WAKE-UP achievements include faculty and staff quarterly newsletter, healthy Instagram contests, Family Feud and talent show, monthly bathroom buzz, health class presentations for grade 9 and Kick Butts Day.

Dhingra also introduced Youth Action Team Leaders Keiko Cadigan-McCarron, Isabella Kehoe, Logan Cosgrove, Liam Cosgove, Mitra Patel and Eric Keefe.

A slide show followed, revealing how an underage youth was able to order vapes over the Internet with no questions asked, not even his age.

Other topics covered included the high school’s Senior Night, a post-prom celebration for graduating seniors. WAKE-UP organized and supported the celebration and has secured over $35,000 in donations and prizes. Ninety percent of graduating seniors have signed up to attend. Also discussed were improvements in health education in the schools overseen by Wakefield Athletic, Health and Wellness Director Brendan Kent.

Initiatives under Kent include the training of faculty and staff at Wakefield’s schools to implement the universal substance abuse screening tool (SBIRT) and the development and implementation of a juvenile alcohol and drug diversion program for first time offenders in partnership with the town’s Police Department and Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School.

Other speakers included Jill Kramer and Donna Macdonald, both from the WAKE-UP Leadership Team, who commented on Wakefield Rotary Club’s $10,000 donation to Senior Night and the hiring of a part-time peer recovery coach.

For more information about WAKE-UP, visit www.wakefieldwakeup.org or call 339-219-4034.