Students and Parents Educated Against Subtance Abuse Dangers

Each day, three teens in the United States die from drinking and driving.  Kids who start drinking before the age of fifteen are five times more likely to become addicted later in life.  Alcohol kills more teens every year than all other illicit drug use.  It was statistics such as these that George Pizzo brought to life for his audience. 

"Losing a child is not something you get through.  It is something that stays with you forever," said Pizzo, after giving a slideshow of his daughter Amber who was killed by a drunk driver four years ago. 

Since her death Pizzo has created The Amber Pizzo Foundation  to offer solace to victims of vehicular crimes while supporting local programs that are committed to saving lives.

Pizzo's presentation was one of three that took place at Westfield High School on Wednesday night as part of Stir It Up, an alcohol awareness event meant to educate both students and parents on the dangers of underage drinking and drug abuse. The event was open to students and parents from the high school and the town's two intermediate schools.

"We hope to plant seeds tonight that will blossom into change," said Peter Renwick, principal of Westfield High School.

While Pizzo's talk applied to all members of those in attendance, school counselors Meredith Mazzarese and Colleen White focused on a parent's role in combating alcohol and drug abuse. 

"The single most important thing to do as a parent is to get your values out there as soon as possible," said Mazzarese as she fielded questions.  She gave tips on prevention ranging from strict adherence to curfews to building a strong support system through family dinners.

One of the common themes touched upon throughout the night was the importance of parental vigilance in fighting alcohol abuse among teens. 

"If the message is I'm going to pretend I don't know what you're doing, then that's what they'll learn," said Mazzarese.  Remarking upon the various statistics mentioned throughout the night  Pizzo said, "If it's not your statistic that's great; . . .but keep your eyes open. "

Carol Berger, an assistant county prosecutor, hosted a discussion with two recovering addicts, Ryan and Robin, both of whose addictions to gateway drugs spiraled out of control. 

"If you told me when I was smoking pot at thirteen that I going to be a heroin addict, I would've called you crazy."  Overall, the participants gave an air of hope to a night filled with cautionary tales, "I live in my own apartment, I own a car, . . .I am the one now, who people come to for help." said Ryan.

Students found this presentation to be the most effective. "This one relates more to us. . .I feel like we learned a lot, like how drugs can destroy your life," said Oria Alexander.  "This one was more influential." 

Said Natalie Lopez.  "I learned a lot about the consequences."

Parents gave a mixed reaction to the overall event.  When asked if the event was helpful one mother said, "No, because what do we not know?"  She further explained "it did help focus your mind on what to look for."