Riverhead resident Byron Perez dons the navy blue uniform of a Riverhead Town police officer by day. Mr. Perez, who was hired in December 2014, is the department’s first full-time Hispanic officer. Speaking fluent Spanish, he has been working on bridging the gap between local law enforcement and the town’s growing Hispanic population. READ
Tag: Say No to Drugs March
The 31st annual “Say No to Drugs” march on Friday afternoon was led by Riverhead police officer Byron Perez, the honored guest and keynote speaker. Mr. Perez is the first full-time Hispanic, bilingual police officer in Riverhead. He’s a 2003 Riverhead High School graduate and son of Guatemalan immigrants.
(Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)
Samantha Heidtmann grew up on a farm in Southold where her father, Tom McGunnigle, grew potatoes and hay. It wasn’t a lavish lifestyle, but one she learned to be proud of.
Ms. Heidtmann, a Riverhead elementary school teacher who lives in Southold, relayed her story to fifth and sixth grade students during the 30th annual Say NO to Drugs March Friday morning at Pulaski Street Elementary School. (more…)
Over 700 fifth and sixth grade Pulaski Street Elementary School students marched for several blocks carrying signs and shouting “Say No” slogans. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch photo)
The Community Awareness Program annual “Say No to Drugs March” kicked off in front of Pulaski Street school at 9:30 Friday morning with Riverhead Police Officer Dennis Cavanagh, this year’s honoree and keynote speaker also the Riverhead-News Review’s 2013 Public Servant of the Year, leading the procession with four other motorcycle officers from Southold Town, Sheriff’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department.
“I’ve been part of this event for many years,” said Cavanagh. “I’m honored to be involved, and thrilled to be helping students understand they have the right and the power to make smart choices.” (more…)
ROBERT O’ROURK PHOTO | The Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team and assistant coach Caitlin Defliese will travel to Riverhead June 7 for the 28th annual Say No to Drugs March.
The nationally ranked Stony Brook University women’s lacrosse team will be the keynote speakers at next month’s annual anti-drugs march in Riverhead.
The 28th annual Say No to Drugs March, sponsored by the Riverhead Community Awareness Program June 7, will begin at Pulaski Street School before looping back around through Roanoke, Griffing and Hallett Avenues. The team will speak to students and residents on the steps of Pulaski Street School after the march.
The Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team put together a historic season this year, winning a program-best 17 games and going undefeated in conference play. The team went on to win its first-ever America East title. The team won 10 awards, including Demmianne Cook winning Player of the Year.
“We are honored and humbled to have been asked to be a part of Riverhead CAP’s Say NO to Drugs March,” said women’s lacrosse head coach Joe Spallina, who was named Synapse Division I National Coach of the Year last week. “The student-athletes on the Stony Brook women’s lacrosse team understand the importance of taking care of their bodies, which includes saying no to substance abuse. We look forward to showing members of the community how living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle can help them achieve their goals.”
CAP’s executive director Felicia Scocozza said she was “thrilled” to have the team share their experience with Riverhead students and the community.
“We hope that members of the community will once again come out and support the students and their efforts to remain drug-free,” said Ms. Scocozza, a Stony Brook alumna.