Bob Lapete was an incredible hit in Maine several weeks ago. He came to Central Maine with his program,
Second Chance And Recovery, and spoke at four high schools over a four-day period. Bob reached almost 2500 students
in assemblies and in small group discussions. He connected well with our student populations, because his story was genuine and felt in the heart. Sadly, it was also an emotional four days for many students and adults who had lost friends and loved ones in alcohol-related auto accidents in the last two years. We knew he connected when several male students came down from the bleachers and gave him hugs of thanks.
The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive in their verbal and written comments. One student wrote
" He really made people think about stuff. A lot of people cried and I think that he really got the message through to most of us." A 15 year old girl wrote " I had a 7 year old cousin that was killed in a drinking and driving accident and this presentation
really got to me. Thank you." After the larger assemblies, Bob met with students in health classes, or in other small focus groups. Some students asked to meet with him privately to talk about their feelings and the impact of his talk, and he was happy to accommodate them.
In my roll as the Substance Abuse Service counselor in the four high schools, I have endeavored to put on effective prevention and education programs, especially during the prom and graduation seasons. Bob Lapete's SCAR program is the best program I have used. Bob made himself totally available to me and these schools for four days, and several principals reflected that this was the best-spent money on risk and substance prevention programs that they have seen in recent years. He speaks with honesty, integrity and humor, and I feel comfortable recommending him to any school, community or organization who is vested in reducing risk and harm found in substance use.
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