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9th Annual Raymond J. Lesniak ESH Recovery High School Graduation Celebrates the Class of 2024

Madeline Desrosiers

Ean M. giving his Senior Speech. Photo Credit: Lesniak Institute for American Leadership

 

Scotch Plains, NJ — The Raymond J. Lesniak Experience, Strength, Hope Recovery High School, a pioneering institution in the field of recovery education, proudly celebrated its ninth annual graduation ceremony on June 12th, 2024. This special ceremony marked significant milestones for the three graduating students: Ean M., Charismah B., and Nathaniel B., all of whom have triumphed over personal challenges to reach this day.

The graduation event also served to honor individuals who have significantly impacted the recovery community, including Paolo Del Vecchio, Director of Recovery at SAMHSA, who received the prestigious Pamela Capaci Hero for Recovery Award. Morgan Thompson, CEO of Prevention Links, praised Mr. Del Vecchio’s dedication to recovery schools, stating, “Paolo has given adolescent recovery—and recovery schools in particular—prominence on the national recovery agenda. He ensures that efforts sponsored by the Office of Recovery include youth voices and encourages other SAMHSA efforts to do the same. Paolo embodies true servant leadership, quietly championing recovery—including recovery schools—everywhere he goes.”

Ean M., a graduate, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the Simon Youth Foundation to support his future education in auto mechanics. During the ceremony, Ean shared his journey of recovery in a moving Senior Speech, reflecting on the pivotal role the school, its community, and his family have played in his personal and academic growth. “My journey in recovery has been a rollercoaster,” Ean admitted, “but my days in recovery have been mostly good. I’m living a better life.”

This year’s ceremony was attended by key figures including Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, who has been instrumental in the school’s inception and growth, and Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Commissioner Chairwoman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, both of whom offered words of encouragement and congratulations to the graduates. The audience included family members of the graduates, Prevention Links staff, and UCVTS staff, all gathering to support and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable students.

Event Highlights:

Acknowledgments:
The Students and Staff would like to thank the following Individuals and Organizations: Union County Board of County Commissioners, UCVTS Board of Education, Prevention Links Board of Directors, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, Simon Youth Foundation, The New Jersey Department of Education, Union College, Kean University Premier Stages, Dr. Randy Sconiers, The Occupational Therapy Department at Kean University, Kean University Art Department, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, NJ4S and Armando Beleno and Jeancy Salomon, Amanda Byron, and Alqamar Anderson.

About The Raymond J. Lesniak ESH Recovery High School:
Founded in 2014, The Raymond J. Lesniak ESH Recovery High School offers a supportive educational environment specifically designed for teenagers recovering from substance use disorder. By integrating academic rigor with recovery support, the school empowers its students to build a foundation for long-term recovery and success.

For more information:
eshrecoveryschool.org
Email: rhs@preventionlinks.org
Facebook: @recoveryhighschool
Instagram: @recoveryhighschool

Media Contact:
Madeline Desrosiers
Communications & Development Coordinator
862-250-7919
mdesrosiers@preventionlinks.org

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