Pulaski School Students Walk in 26th Annual 'Say No to Drugs March'

The Riverhead Community Awareness Program sponsored the 26th annual Say No To Drugs March on Friday morning. Students from the Pulaski Street School, teachers, politicians and other supporters made the trek across Pulaski Street, down Roanoke Avenue across 2nd Street and back up Hallet Avenue with local residents cheering them on.

The CAP program provides monthly drug awareness classes and programs, led by community volunteers.

Sixth-grader Tranejah Brown explained the program. "It's classes, and we do role playing, play games and watch TV videos," she said. "I learned to never use drugs," she continued. "If you drink it will ruin the way you focus."

Brown's fellow sixth-grader Everett Davis also learned from the program. "I learned not to do drugs and how some types of alcohol like beer and vodka can make you the same amount impaired," Davis said.

Among those participating in the march was Supervisor Sean Walter. "It is inspiring to see the chldren in this effort," he said while marching. "If we don't stick with the kids to give them hope we are not doing our job."

After the march Walter, along with other local officials including Suffolk County Legislators Jay Schneiderman, I-Montauk, and Ed Romaine, R-Center Moriches, addressed the students and administrators at the school. "Riverhead is on the move!" Romaine repeated to the students.

In his speech to the crowd, Walter proclaimed the day Say No To Drugs Day and  urged students to stay strong. "Everytime I see a students in this shirt I know they are part of something bigger than themselves," Walter said.

Track and field coach Bernice Brown, an employee of the school district for over 20 years, was this year's featured guest. She challenged the students, saying, "Say yes to being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy."