Posted by
Tanya Arja / Erin Maloney
on
10/14/2022 9:22:00 AM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Erin Maloney
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fla. – (October 14, 2022) – In memory of those who have lost their lives due to drug and alcohol-related incidents, Hillsborough County Public Schools joins NOPE – Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education – for their 11th annual candlelight vigil. The vigil will be held on Thursday, October 20, starting at 6 p.m., at Hillsborough High School.
NOPE of Hillsborough holds this vigil each year to support families who have lost a loved one to accidental overdose or substance-related deaths, and to help those suffering from the disease of addiction.
The free community event is always an emotional night as families and friends share inspiring examples of why their loved one’s story is not over. The community is invited to come out at 6 p.m. to reflect on the Memorial Wall, which captures more than 500 photos and stories showing young people who have lost their lives.
The ceremony will then begin at 7 p.m. in the Hillsborough High School auditorium with a panel discussion of community leaders including Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Public Defender Julianne Holt, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Tampa Police Captain Samuel “Kert” Rojka as they discuss their actions to address this epidemic.
The evening will end with a candlelight vigil on the school’s front lawn. Hillsborough High School is located at 5000 N. Central Ave., Tampa.
For more information, please go to the NOPE of Hillsborough’s website, Visit site or to schedule an interview about the vigil and the work of NOPE, call Chapter President Cathy Valdes at 813-388-1400.