By Ted Waddell
MONTICELLO — March 11, 2003 – “Take a Stand for a Drug-Free Land” was the theme for the 22nd Annual Awareness Day sponsored by the Sullivan County Cares Coalition, Inc., the Recovery Center, United Way, Sullivan County BOCES and the eight school districts in the county.
The event was held at Monticello High School on Saturday, and an estimated 1,000 people attended. Special attractions and information booths were set up throughout the local high school.
John Riley, executive vice president of the First National Bank of Jeffersonville, served as master of ceremonies.
The opening ceremonies were kicked off with a flag-raising by Sarah Wells Girl Scouts and the National Anthem sung by Daryl Magill, an admissions counselor at Sullivan County Community College.
The folks from Daytop created numerous games that were set up in the cafeteria: basketball, skeet ball, wheel of fortune, ring toss, football toss and mini golf.
A highlight of the event was a two-hour presentation by the Harlem Wizards, bucketeers extraordinaire.
The day closed with performances by the Daytop Band.
“Our main purpose was to offer information to anybody who may be suffering from some kind of addiction,” said Sister Kevin John Shields, Sullivan County Cares Coalition coordinator.
“And we wanted to show all the wonderful, positive alternatives we have to substance abuse,” she added.