Town of Babylon Youth Lead Annual Red Ribbon Town Hall

Babylon Town Hall hosted the annual Red Ribbon Town Hall, bringing together students, prevention coalitions, local government, law enforcement, and community organizations for an evening centered on youth voices. This year’s theme, “Be a Superhero, Stay Drug Free!,” highlighted the idea that ordinary people can make extraordinary differences in their communities.

Councilman Terence McSweeney invites local coalition's to a Town Hall each year to share ideas about raising protective factors using evidence based practices across the Town of Babylon. The event was organized by Town of Babylon Cares, including Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition (Lindy Cares), in partnership with the Deer Park Drug Prevention Coalition, Copiague Community Cares, Concerned Citizens of Wyandanch (CCWA), and the Rising Tide Amityville Youth Coalition. The Rising Tide Amityville Youth Coalition took the lead this year.

A Youth-Led Program

The program was planned and emceed by youth leaders Abigail Brown, Autumn Constance, and Maleek Solomon, president of the newly formed Rising Tide Amityville Youth Coalition. In addition to hosting, the students helped shape the evening’s structure and message, guiding a room of community leaders and adults through the program.

The evening opened with a Color Guard presentation by Boy Scout Troop 1421 and a blessing offered by Deacon Kerri Wilmer of St. John Lutheran Church, with clergy from across the community invited to participate.

Student performances curated by the Amityville youth included:

•The National Anthem, performed by Amityville student Naomi Chavez Duran

•An original spoken-word poem by Rose Bolane

•A performance by the Amityville High School Step Team

•A rendition of “Bésame Mucho” by the Music Honor Society, conducted by teacher Bianca Ferante, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month

•A video produced by the Amityville High School Broadcasting Club

Amityville students were accompanied by their advisors and administrators, including Principal Dr. John Cardone, Assistant Principal Ms. Rodriguez, and Jennifer Lopez, an administrator overseeing special education.

500 Red Bows Across the Community

In preparation for Red Ribbon Week, more than 500 red bows were distributed to schools throughout the Town of Babylon. The bows were displayed along roadways, throughout Town Hall, and in other public spaces as a visible sign of community support for healthy, drug-free youth. Organizers noted that displaying a bow or wearing a red ribbon pin gives every resident a way to take part in prevention, whether or not they are comfortable speaking or performing publicly.

Community Partners

Participating community partners included the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Babylon, Hope For Youth, Seafield, Beacon Family Wellness Center, the Army National Guard, and Kids Need More. Officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s First Precinct attended in support of the students. The Little Flower Shop of Lindenhurst served as event sponsor by providing the ribbons.

Elected Officials in Attendance

Elected officials and community leaders recognized in the program included Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Councilman Terence McSweeney, Suffolk County Legislators R.J. Renna and Jason Richberg, Assemblymen Kwani O’Pharrow and Michael Durso, 1^st Pct Officers, Lt. Joseph Lomangino and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon. Also in attendance were Mayor Michael W. O’Neil, Mayor Michael A. Lavorata, Amityville Trustee Roger Smith, and Lindenhurst Trustee Doug Madlon.

Their participation underscored a shared message: young people, their ideas, and their futures matter, and creating environments where they can thrive is a responsibility shared across the community.

Behind the Scenes

The event was made possible by staff, board members, and volunteers, including staff member Marc Soto, who coordinated audiovisual setup with Gabriela Montes of Councilman McSweeney’s office; Board Vice President Maddy Simmons, who managed hospitality; program organizer Sarah Cahill; and Lindy Youth Coalition President Vanessa Probst, who distributed red ribbon pins to attendees.

About Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week began as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in 1985 while fighting drug trafficking. Today, the red ribbon remains a national symbol of commitment to healthy, drug-free communities.

Local prevention coalitions emphasize that prevention goes beyond telling young people what to avoid. It focuses on relationships, belonging, opportunity, and confidence, and on helping young people see what they have to look forward to. The Red Ribbon Town Hall reflected that approach by placing students at the center of the program as planners, hosts, and performers.

Looking Ahead

Organizers thanked every student, advisor, volunteer, community partner, law enforcement officer, and elected official who contributed to the evening, and look forward to continuing the collaboration across the Town of Babylon’s schools, villages, and community organizations at next year’s Red Ribbon Town Hall.

For more information, contact Town of Babylon Cares, lori@babyloncares.org