Posted by
Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
on
10/16/2023 12:05:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fla. – (October 16, 2023) – It will be an emotional night as Hillsborough County Public Schools teams up with NOPE – Narcotics Overdose Prevention & Education – for their 12th annual Candlelight Vigil. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, at Hillsborough High School.
NOPE of Hillsborough holds this vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives due to drug and alcohol-related incidents, and to help those suffering from the disease of addiction.
The free community event will begin at 6 p.m. with time 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 Interim Superintendent Van Ayres, Hillsborough County State Attorney Susan Lopez, Public Defender Julianne Holt, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Maurer, and students from East Bay High School’s YMAD (Youth Making a Difference) Club.
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.