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By Mila Besich Lira
The first day of school is just around the corner – July 24 to be exact – and more than 100 students from Superior are now equipped with school supplies and a new backpack for that first day back thanks to the sponsors and the volunteers of the Superior Substance Abuse Coalition Win to Swim event.
For the past seven years the Superior Substance Abuse Coalition has hosted the educational event just before school started. The mission of the event is to educate the kids on not using drugs or alcohol, anti bullying messages and internet safety. Before the kids can win their backpack and pool pass they must visit each of the prevention booths. The interactive educational booths also help link parents and care givers with service providers that can assist with counseling and other social services.
The kids and their parents were also treated to a free hot dog lunch. The United Dance Crew from Coolidge entertained the crowd throughout the afternoon. They performed several of their prevention skits and dances and also did interactive dances and games with the kids in attendance.
Each year the SSAC awards the prevention booths who have the best decorations. This year Native Air was the first place winner with their fishing pond booth and Resolution Copper was the runner up with their Hawaiian themed booth.
This year the majority of the expenses for the event were funded with a grant from Cenpatico Behavioral Health. The Superior Unified School District, Town of Superior, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Resolution Copper and the Superior Optimist Club also helped to sponsor the event.
See more photos online at http://bit.ly/14af4zf. Photos by Mila Besich Lira.
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