Drug Prevention & Awareness Week at Salesian College Preparatory gained powerful momentum as Wednesday’s Prevention Connection Resource Fair transformed the campus into a space of education, engagement, and support. Building on the week’s Drug Prevention and Awareness theme,“My Future is Bright,” the fair deepened the conversation around making healthy choices and resisting harmful substances.

At the heart of the event was access: access to information, to trusted adults, and to real-world perspectives. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the Drug Enforcement Administration, local fire department personnel, including a visit from alumni from “The Rock,” and members of the United States National Guard. Each group brought a unique lens to prevention, helping students better understand the real-life consequences of substance use while also emphasizing pathways to strength, discipline, and resilience.

A key element of the fair’s success was the presence of the Salesian College Preparatory’s student-led club Project Hope and the Counseling Department. Counselors were actively available throughout the event, offering guidance, answering questions, and most importantly, normalizing conversations around mental health and peer pressure. Their involvement reinforced a critical message: students are not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength.

The fair wasn’t just informative, it was interactive. One of the day’s standout moments was the ropes course competition hosted by the National Guard during an extended lunch period. Students eagerly participated, challenging themselves physically while building teamwork and confidence. The activity served as a powerful metaphor for the week’s broader message: overcoming obstacles, relying on others, and making strong, healthy decisions under pressure.

By combining hands-on activities with meaningful dialogue, Wednesday’s event showed that prevention is not just about avoiding risks, it is about equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and support systems they need to succeed. Events like the Prevention Connection Resource Fair highlight one of the many ways Salesian invests in student well-being, empowering young people to make informed, healthy choices every day.