Building off last year’s success, ‘SUP Medway offers even more free programs and leadership opportunities for Medway students.

“Last year was a great success for our youth programs, especially the ‘Friday Night Done Right’ monthly drop in program, which saw a fantastic turnout,” said Gabrielle Giannelli, ‘SUP Medway’s Prevention Program Coordinator. Other efforts involved training and taking several young people to the State House on two different occasions to advocate for important policy changes, a major highlight for us.“

And this year, ‘SUP Medway – short for Substance Use Prevention in Medway - is offering even more fun and exciting programs that align with its mission to create healthy conditions so young Medway residents/students do not engage with drugs like Alcohol and Nicotine.

This year, the coalition is expanding options for skill building and field trips for high school students through ‘SUP Student Division. These young coalition members are invited to “be at the decision-making table on how to improve the environment and reach your peers,” according to a flyer sent to students recently. “There are opportunities to advocate for policy change, run programs, create connections, use your creativity, and gain skills. All while making a difference, boosting your resume, completing community service hours, and potentially earning an out-of-state trip.” 

Within the Student Division of SUP Medway coalition, young people are plugged into at least one of three year-long activities: the student-led local project team, the District Attorney’s Peer Leadership Program, and/or a state-wide policy training and action program.

The goal for student-led community projects and events is to find a way “to support peers who are trying to quit vaping or how to discourage underage drinking.”

The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Peer Leadership program is a year-long initiative focusing on building leadership skills through community engagement, teamwork, creativity, and responsibility. Students will learn the functions of the court system, healthy relationships, the dangers of substance use, and distracted driving. The  Peer Leaders will meet virtually on a monthly basis, volunteer in the community, and then celebrate their accomplishments at the Peer Leadership Conference at Gillette Stadium in April. 

The MAPC (Massachusetts Alcohol Policy Coalition) policy program is a chance for students to learn from experts including Dr. David Jernigan, an internationally recognized expert on alcohol policy and Professor of Health Law, Policy and Management at Boston University, School of Public Health. Youth will complete a series of trainings culminating in a visit to the State House where youth will educate their legislators about the impact alcohol is having on their lives.

While participating in ‘SUP Medway programs, high school students can earn a chance to participate in a summer training conference in Nashville, accompanied by ‘SUP Medway staff. 

“We are thrilled to truly engage students in the full range of prevention work including conference training opportunities.” says Coalition Leader, Stephanie Simeon. The coalition plans to take engaged high school students to a CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coaltions of America) training conference where they will be able to learn from experts and meet other student leaders from across the nation to gain ideas to bring back to Medway the following year. 

For middle school students, the Friday Night Done Right drop-in program is back, as is the HYPE: Healthy Youth Empowerment group. 

Friday Night Done Right is a fun-filled youth drop-in program designed for Medway residents in grades 5 – 8. Held monthly at the Medway High School from 6 to 8 p.m,. Youth can enjoy meeting a therapy dog, lawn games, arts & crafts, sports, and social time with their peers. Plus, food is provided. The casual, drop-in setting is a perfect opportunity for youth to build friendships, explore new hobbies, and run off some energy—all in a supervised setting!

HYPE: Healthy Youth Empowerment is an after-school group for middle schoolers designed to inspire and empower young leaders. This exciting extracurricular equips students to encourage healthy choices among their peers and have fun while doing it! For details and sign up for each of the youth programs, visit the coalition website, www.SUPMedway.com or email [email protected]. 

In addition to these offerings for students, ‘SUP Medway does other prevention activities and education for parents and the Medway community. More information can be found at www.SUPMedway.com. 

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