"Vision Warrior" Captivates Locust Valley High School


Substance Abuse Presentation Has Record Turn-Out, Local Tragedy Moves Parents & Students

The Leader Story by Philip T. Szulc

"Vision Warrior", a theatrical lecture presentation about addiction and recovery conceived and performed by film and television actor Scot Anthony Robinson, has reached in the past nine years over one million educators, young people and their families throughout the United States. On February 3rd 2003 , this poignant presentation came to Locust Valley High School, and combined with the community's own tragedies, it left one of the strongest impressions among the school's parents and students.
The Partnership for a Drug Free America has said that Robinson's presentation, which discusses and addresses young people's struggles with peer pressures, self esteem dilemmas, violence, sex, alcohol, drugs and relationships is, "perhaps the best in the nation at reaching and impacting our youth on these critical topics." The Locust Valley Middle School and High School Parent Council's Drug and Alcohol Committee tapped into this notion and the presentations that lasted two days and culminated into a panel discussion for parents and students, was one of the best-received events of its nature at the High School, as the Howard A. Schmock auditorium overflowed with people 1,000 and raw emotion.
Robinson spoke at the Middle School and High School on February 3rd and 4th in the morning, using his regular 90-minute routine. But the high point of the two days was a special program Tuesday evening that started with a modified performance by "Vision Warrior", and then involved a panel of members of the community that deal with substance abuse. The panel was comprised of Robinson and health workers and recovering addicts, including a recovering teen from Locust Valley who bravely addressed the crowd. But perhaps the most moving and poignant element was the presence of Jean Halvorsen, the mother of Sean Halvorsen, who died last summer of a drug overdose. A video presentation about Sean was part of the night and moved the capacity crowd.
Robinson had actually known Jean Halvorsen before the event, as she contacted him 3 years ago when she discovered her son's addiction. Because of his relationship with Mrs. Halvorsen he performed a special, altered presentation for both parents and students together, instead of addressing only the parents that evening.
Students, who had witnessed the performances in school earlier, brought back parents, and teachers were also instrumental with promoting the event, offering grading incentives and support.
"I was told it was a historical turn-out" said Halvorsen adding that, "hopefully, we saved a life."
Robinson's involvement extended far past his scheduled performances as he stayed at the school all day, talking to students in the cafeteria. His charisma and own experience of addiction and recovery clearly touched students and he received 150 emails by the end of the night.
The program was funded by the Smither's Foundation, The Locust Valley Central School District, Locust Valley Middle School, Locust Valley High School, Falcon Pride Athletic Association, Locust Valley Students Aids Committee and was presented by Decisions for Life, a continuing educational program from the Parents' Council Committee on Drugs and Alcohol.

Please look for a feature story in upcoming issues of The Leader on all the parties involved in this important event that deals with a vital issue in the community.