What’s Happening

This quarter, we’re spotlighting the CAP Class of 2026. The CAP Class of 2026 consists of 16 peer leaders and youth coalition members. Each continues to make remarkable and positive impacts in the Riverhead community.

Since 1983, Riverhead CAP has provided drug and alcohol prevention, education, and counseling programs for the Riverhead Central School District. One program, the Pulaski Street School Prevention Program, also known as Too Good For Drugs, is presented by trained 8^th-grade and high school students, alongside community volunteers. Students who participate in this program are known as peer leaders. They assist adult presenters and serve as role models for their peers and younger students. Peer leaders attend weekly training during lunch. This training provides essential information and public speaking skills, which allows for effective classroom presentations. Students demonstrating dedication to the program progress to become classroom presenters and mentors to newer members.

Riverhead Youth Coalition (RYC) members play a key role in the larger Riverhead Community Coalition. To change conditions that contribute to underage drinking and drug use, RYC primarily focuses on community-based environmental strategies. This entails working with law enforcement, businesses, and local government to reduce youth access to and the availability of these substances. In addition, RYC members offer a distinctive voice to increase community awareness of these concerns. They use social media and radio public service announcements (PSAs) to achieve this.

Riverhead Community Coalition coordinator Chelsea Shuren and CAP social worker Erin Adams recently sat with the CAP Class of 2026 to discuss their experiences in these signature programs.

WHY THEY JOINED Riverhead CAP

The decision to join CAP programs is unique to every student. Many students join because they like teaching younger students about the dangers of substance misuse and make positive changes in the community. Others join to earn community service hours or to strengthen their public speaking skills. Regardless of why they joined, each member of the Class of 2026 has been an integral part of both programs.

“I joined Peer Leadership because I really admired the organization’s work and the cause behind it,” said Tatum Soutar. “I think it’s so important to guide the kids in our community from a young age so that they make good decisions once they reach high school.”

Other students remember participating in the program while attending Pulaski Street School and were eager to take part once old enough. Ella Kaparos shared, “I joined CAP because I was inspired by the Peer Leaders before me who led my Pulaski classes. I wanted to make a difference just as they had in my life.”

“I joined RYC because I wanted to help my community and share the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure with those around me,” said Ava Carter.

Delilah Evans added, “I joined Youth Coalition to build leadership skills, support my peers, and make a positive impact in my community.”

THE CAP PEER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

CAP Peer Leadership is a unique program where older peers teach younger students the dangers and consequences of underage substance use. Peer leaders present a series of lessons throughout the school year that focus on decision-making, effective communication, self-esteem, and preventing substance use. Peer leaders dedicate themselves to the curriculum through weekly training. Through training, they work diligently to improve public speaking and classroom management skills. During each presentation, they work with Pulaski students to give them the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices.

For many peer leaders, working with the younger students is the best part of the program. “My favorite part of Peer Leadership is presenting in my classroom and getting to know my Pulaski students throughout the school year,” said Addison Heck.

Luka Burkauskaite said, “My favorite part of Peer Leadership was teaching the younger students and rewarding them with the CAP March.”

“I really love being able to connect with the Pulaski students and being able to learn about them and help them make decisions they can use for the rest of their lives,” Ella Kaparos reflected.

Every year, the Pulaski program culminates with the Say NO To Drugs March, a celebration for over 800 Pulaski students. This event celebrates the students’ efforts throughout the program and fosters a healthy and safe community. Every year, an honoree is chosen to lead the march, which takes place in downtown Riverhead. CAP Class of 2026 peer leaders Olivia Esposito, Tatum Soutar, Kat Hintze and Ariana Namisnyak highlight the CAP March as their favorite part of the program. The 39^th Annual CAP March  took place on Friday, June 5^th.   Rev. Cynthia A. Liggon, Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Riverhead was this year’s Honoree and Keynote Speaker.

TAKING ACTION, CREATING CHANGE

With a keen understanding of the challenges facing their generation, RYC members spearhead various community-based prevention initiatives. CAP Class of 2026 RYC members reflected on their favorite activities over the years.

Both Naomi Illares and Ava Carter shared that their favorite activity is organizing awareness campaigns by writing and recording Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on local radio stations.

Delilah Evans said her favorite activity was Medication Take Back events. RYC participates during Riverhead Town’s STOP Days along with the Riverhead Police Department. They collect unused, unwanted, and expired medication. These efforts reduce the availability of drugs in the community and help protect the environment through proper disposal. As part of this initiative, the coalition placed a permanent Drop Box in the lobby of the Riverhead Police Department in 2014. Since then, over 15,000 pounds of medication have been collected.

RYC’s impact extends beyond individual achievements. Together, these seniors have fostered a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and empowerment within the Riverhead community. They partner with local businesses, the Riverhead Police Department, local radio stations, and PBMC to raise awareness about substance use issues in the community.

One example includes Sticker Shock initiatives. RYC members visit local pizza places, like Roadhouse or Carlos’, or beer distributors (under adult supervision), and place brightly colored stickers that warn about the consequences of providing alcohol to minors. RYC has also partnered with the Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island to increase awareness of the dangers of menthol cigarettes.

Annual Beach Clean Ups are another favorite for Delilah Evans. These take place every September as part of Coastal Clean Up Month. This activity also allows RYC members to collect data about youth substance use. Members found evidence of underage drinking on the beach. This data helps shape the coalition’s needs assessment and annual action plan.

For members like Naomi Illares, participating in Riverhead Youth Coalition gave her the opportunity to make a “positive impact in the community.”

Getting to know the CAP Class of 2026

Each senior brings a distinct perspective and skill set to Riverhead CAP. From hopeful teachers to passionate advocates of substance misuse prevention, each member’s contribution reveals the depth of talent and commitment within the group. We asked members of the Senior Class to describe themselves in three words.

Eddie Bedell: “Intelligent, Friendly, Caring.”
Luka Burkauskaite: “Dedicated, Caring, Supportive.”
Ava Carter: “Patient, Compassionate, Innovative.”
Delilah Evans: “Talented, Kind, Smart.”
Eric Gabrielson: “Leader, Determined, Healthcare-focused.”
Addison Heck: “Radiant, Empathetic, Intelligent.”
Saara Hossain: “Optimistic, Reliable, Communicative.”
Naomi Illares: “Respectful, Kind, Funny.”
Ella Kaparos: “Driven, Passionate, Empathetic.”
Kat Hintze: “Kind, Excitable, Bunny.”
Carlie Morgan: “Hardworking, Nice, Caring.”
Ariana Namisnyak: “Sophisticated, Understanding, Kind.”
Olivia Esposito: “Ambitious, Sincere, Funny.”
Emelyn Ramirez: “Extroverted, Organized, Supportive.”
Tatum Soutar: “Caring, Empathetic, Thoughtful.”
Madeline Sullivan: “Caring, Strong, Easy-going.”

REFLECTING ON THE SENIOR CLASS

CAP Class of 2026 seniors are actively involved in a wide range of school and community activities. While participating CAP programs, they successfully balanced athletics, music, Key Club, WISE, part-time jobs, and rigorous academic commitments. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping others demonstrate how young people can create meaningful and lasting positive change in their community.

Erin Adams, CAP HS social worker, spoke about the senior peer leaders. “It has been an honor to have these students serve as our senior peer leaders this year. Each of our graduating seniors has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our program through their leadership, dedication, and positive example. They possess the talent, determination, and character to accomplish whatever goals they pursue. Beyond their many contributions to the program, they are remarkable individuals. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with them. Their presence will be greatly missed, but I am excited to see all they achieve in the future.”

Chelsea Shuren, CAP coalition coordinator, spoke about the senior RYC members. “This group is not only motivated and hardworking, but also incredibly kind, compassionate, and dedicated to making a difference. They understand the importance of overcoming challenges, giving back to their schools and community, and continually striving for personal growth. They not only worked to support, educate, and inspire others, but also remained open to learning, growing, and challenging themselves along the way. Their accomplishments this year have been truly remarkable. They embody the qualities of outstanding leaders, and there is no doubt they will continue to make a positive impact as they take the next steps in their journeys!”

Congratulations to the CAP Class of 2026!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more contact Chelsea Shuren, coalition coordinator, at (631) 727-3722 ext. 106, or Chelsea.Shuren@RiverheadCAP.org