Southington’s STEPS Youth Council Wins Statewide Prevention Impact Award

The STEPS Youth Council has been recognized with the prestigious Prevention Impact Award at the second annual Connecticut Prevention Summit held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Presented by Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Deputy Commissioner Colleen Harrington and Prevention and Health Promotion Division Director Sarju Shah, the award honors organizations that have expanded the reach and effectiveness of prevention efforts in Connecticut, creating models that can inspire and be replicated by others statewide.

STEPS Youth Council earned this distinction for their innovative and impactful prevention work, including:

• ●  “It’s Not Cheesy to Talk to Your Kids” campaign, which encouraged open family conversations about substance use.

• ●  Legislative advocacy to limit youth access to kratom, a dangerous and unregulated substance.

• ●  Leadership in youth prevention, serving as role models and collaborators with young leaders across Connecticut.

  
  

  The award was accepted on behalf of the council by Katherine Cavanaugh, Ava LeBlanc, and Jacqueline Liebler, all seniors at Southington High School and Youth Peer Advocates with STEPS. These student leadership positions are funded through the DMHAS Prevention in Connecticut Communities grant and include participation in the statewide Youth Advisory Board through the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.

  
  

“This award reflects the passion, creativity, and determination of our young leaders,” said Kristin Sandler, STEPS Outreach Coordinator and advisor to Youth Council. “They are showing that prevention isn’t just something adults do for youth—it’s something youth are leading themselves.”

STEPS Youth Council is a youth-led group dedicated to preventing substance use, promoting mental health, and creating a healthier community in Southington. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and modeling positive choices, members are making a measurable impact locally and statewide.

For more information about STEPS Youth Council, visit southingtonSTEPS.org.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:

STEPS Coalition - Kristin Sandler, OutreachCoordinator 860-276-6285 | kristin.steps@gmail.com

Peter Thomas Sheriden, Jr.

submitted by Jacki Willametz

Word has arrived of the passing of former Berlin Ct. Resident Pete Sheridan. Affectionately known back in the day in the treehouse as “ freaky Pete” He roadied with Pink Floyd and annoyed Mr. Goodrow in history class at Berlin High in 1967 to 1970 with expert giant spit balls which he would throw up onto the classroom ceiling. Ahh youth…. See his sister’s narrative below. We miss him.

JACKI WILLAMETZ PHOTO