‘One Island’ team gears up for fall

Grand Island Dispatch, July 6, 2007

Members of “One Island, One Team, One Dream to be Drug Free” meet at Grand Island High School to plan for a fall campaign to introduce incoming freshmen and the whole student body to the goals of a drug-free community. From left they are: Town Councilman Dick Crawford, high school Assistant Principal Christopher Swiatek, Principal Sandra Anzalone, GIFTS Program coordinator Neena Nohria, YWCA of the Tonawandas Executive Director Jill Townson, Young Life counselor Jim Patterson, Councilwoman Mary Cooke and high school business teacher Cheryl Chamberlain. (photo by Barbi Lare).

A dedicated group of Islanders, including school officials, police, youth counselors and business people, is continuing efforts to keep young Grand Islanders away from the scourge of drug use.

“One Island, One Team, One Dream to be Drug Free” met late last month at Grand Island High School to plan for a fall campaign to introduce ninth-graders and the whole student body to the goals of a drug-free community.

The target date for rolling out a new logo and campaign is Wednesday, Aug. 29, when incoming freshmen and their parents meet for orientation.

High School Principal Sandra Anzalone said when she first took the job last year, she put a survey out to find out what concerns parents had. “The awareness of drugs came out as one of the top items,” she said. The feeling behind the campaign, she said is, “We’re worried about you. This (drugs) is not going to be tolerated. We want you to be safe.”

The campaign will also focus on reaching students during Spirit Week this fall.