SANFORD — A York County couple will speak about their daughter’s drug overdose death. A police officer will speak about school violence. Students will hear from an Olympic athlete, and a motorivational speaker.

Sanford High School’s 32nd annual Sophomore Awareness program is set for May 16 and 17. It is a two day event where the teens designed to raise individual levels of self-esteem and to encourage all students to make wise and healthy decisions that will produce positive results in their daily lives, organizers say. As well, it helps equip students to cope positively with the many pressures that they face in today’s society. 

The two days will include a comprehensive program of education and activities to increase awareness on the subjects of drug and substance abuse, building and development of healthy relationships between family members and friends, as well as tolerance, and self-awareness said Diana Walker, one of the organizers.

The first day of the program, set for off-campus at St.  Ignatius Parish Hall, will begin with nationally recognized motivational speaker and national martial arts champion John Jenkins, former mayor of both Lewiston and Auburn and a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame.Jenkins will speak on the topics of diversity and self-esteem. 

The next session will bring Drew and Jen Morrow who will speak about the death of their daughter due to a drug overdose. 

Later, Sanford Police  Detective Jason Champlin will discuss a proactive approach to school violence. The day will wrap up with comedian and juggler Randy Judkins who will perform his “full esteem ahead” presentation. 

Day Two begins with the 32nd appearance of Bob LaPete who will discuss the results of being involved in a motor vehicle accident due to an OUI and how it has affected his life. 

Then,  Olympic Bronze Medalist Lynn Jennings will speak on her “miles” of experience. Jennings will share what it was like being a world-class runner and how she handled the ups and downs of being a professional athlete. 

Rapper “Milo” who will speak on decision making. 

Concluding the program will be the return of the one-man volleyball team, Bob Holmes. His powerful message will be “Beat the Odds.” He will challenge teams of students and faculty one on six, to display how one person can accomplish anything. Will this be the year he gets beaten by SHS?? 

The Sophomore Awareness Committee appreciates the support of local businesses and organizations that are making significant contributions for the many expenses involved in this special program. They are especially appreciative of the use of the St. Ignatius facility so that students can benefit from the impact of the program in an off-campus setting, away from the distractions of daily school activities. A special thank you goes out to the various speakers involved in this program for sharing their messages. Also, the Committee thanks Strategies for a Safer Sanford for their support. 

Anyone wishing to learn more about the program or who would like to help sponsor it in any way may contact Diana Walker at Sanford High School. 

Checks may be made out to Sophomore Awareness Program and sent to: Sanford High School, Attn: Diana Walker , 52 Sanford High Blvd.,  Sanford, Me 04073