Does Somebody Need a HUGS?

Does Somebody Need a HUGS?

It takes about 3 seconds to give into peer pressure and drink that first cup of beer, but it also takes 3 seconds to say no and walk away. Like it says on Youth to Youth’s bulletin board there are, “1000 Things to do Instead of Drugs”. Don’t ruin your future just because you wanted to fit in at that one party. Nothing makes you cooler than being yourself and saying no to drugs and alcohol because in the end you’re the one who ends up going to college and living a life everyone else wanted to live.

If you or anyone you know is having trouble with dealing with peer pressure there are peers your age that can help you! Human Understanding Growth Seminars, HUGS for short, is a conference with high school teens throughout Long Island that teaches the prevention of drugs, leadership and self-building skills. Participants spend a weekend in Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island, taking part in activities that foster these skills. Foreign language teacher, Mrs. Petroski runs HUGS through our school. If you or anyone else is interested in participating in HUGS go on down to her class and grab a form on her door!

Active members of HUGS Elizabeth Moschella and Aiden Bean, seniors at Westhampton Beach High School, explain how any high school student can be a part of HUGS and it is not a weekly event; there are 4 seminars a year. Bean also states that there is one meeting a year for middle school students who are interested in being a part of HUGS. High school students from Riverhead, Mattituck, Iona Prep and Shelter Island students participate in HUGS.

If you have an interest in going to HUGS go see Mrs.Petroski in room 221 or email her at [email protected]

Dates of future meetings:

December 12th -14th

Jan 30th -Feb 1st

March 6th -8th

June 5th -7th