Information & Town News

Supervisor Barrett, in his capacity as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has secured “Speak Sobriety” presentations with Stephen Hill, a renowned national speaker on substance abuse prevention and mental health awareness with an inspiring comeback story.

Supervisor Barrett met with families who have lost loved ones to drug abuse or have a person in their life struggling with addiction.  During the meeting, he asked what their priorities would be to offer assistance to families in our County.  A speaker series to connect directly with students and parents was a top priority.  Following that meeting, a pilot program was established. 

This will be the second appearance of Stephen Hill in a few Saratoga County schools. Supervisor Barrett initiated a pilot program featuring Mr. Hill and Chris Herren. Mr. Herren spoke at Shen and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.  Due to the positive reviews of the initial events, the program has expanded throughout Saratoga County.  The sessions will take place directly with the students.  Two evening community events with Mr. Hill have been scheduled and are open to the public.  One evening event will be held at Schuylerville High School on April 2^nd at 6pm and the other will be held in the Shenendehowa East Auditorium at 6pm.

Schedule of student events at area schools:

• Ballston Spa High School, March 31, 2025
• Saratoga Springs High School, April 2, 2025
• Schuylerville Middle/High School, April 3, 2023
• Waterford-Halfmoon Jr/Sr High School, April 11, 2025
• Shenendehowa High School East, April 21 & 25, 2025
• Shenendehowa High School West, April 24, 2025
• Stillwater High School, April 23, 2025
• Burnt Hills- Ballston Lake High School, May 1, 2025
• Galway Jr/Sr High School, May 2, 2025
• Oliver W. Winch Middle School, South Glens Falls School District, May 27, 2025

“Partnering with our school districts, students and families across the County through comprehensive support efforts to assist with the battle against substance abuse, has been a consistent focus for Saratoga County. I witnessed the ability of Stephen Hill to engage with students in a meaningful fashion during the first phase of this program.  The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has also approved a new program offering CRPAs (Certified Recovery Peer Advocates) who work directly with our schools and students.  We will continue to expand our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and address substance abuse in our communities. I thank our participating schools for allowing us to bring Speak Sobriety to Saratoga County students and community members,” said Supervisor Barrett.