Community Corner

RVC Unites to Fight Substance Abuse

More than 100 residents attend annual Substance Abuse Awareness Walk at Skelos Field.

A recent survey taken by students noted that anti-social behavior and favorable parental opinions toward substance abuse are what they perceive to be main contibutors in the growing problem of substance abuse by village youths.

That's why more than 100 residents attended the school district's annual substance abuse awareness walk at Skelos Field on Sunday; to join in an united effort to combat a problem that requires everyone's help to solve.

Naomi Bisk, a South Side guidance counselor, said that parents need to take the responsibility of teaching their kids about drugs and alcohol more seriously. "Not just through our words, but by our behaviors and actions," Bisk said. "We are the biggest influencers of our children, even in light of the social pressures they face."

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

She added that if parents don't practice what they preach, their words will ring hollow to their children. "Our kids are listening and watching to what we do and say," Bisk said. "If we are hypocrites, then they learn that our words have little meaning."

The district's Drug and Alcohol Task Force spearheaded the 1.5 mile awareness walk that went from the sports complex, through Hempstead Lake State Park and back up North Village Avenue.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kelsey Messina, a senior at South Side and member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, said that only with the community's help can substance abuse be combatted. "We need to raise awareness for the town," she said. "We need to make a stand together."

Michaela Beck, a junior and SADD member, said that an event like this helps spread the message to the younger kids in the village. "Drinking is a problem in this town," she said. "By doing this, hopefully we raise awareness for the younger kids."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here