Three dedicated members of local High School Strength in Numbers Clubs—Dani Blake and Evan Potwora from San Clemente High School, and Katie Shohdy from Capo Valley High School—recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with the Wellness & Prevention Center to attend the annual CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) National Leadership Forum. This prestigious event brings together approximately 4,300 prevention leaders and 600 youth from across the country, and our local students took full advantage of the opportunity to learn, share, and advocate for positive change.
Strength in Numbers, supported by Providence Mission Hospital, empowers students to take the lead in substance use prevention and mental health awareness. During the conference, Dani, Evan, and Katie heard from powerful keynote speakers and attended workshops focused on mental health and substance use prevention. These sessions reinforced the importance of their efforts in their own communities, giving them new tools and strategies to bring back to their communities.
A highlight of the trip was their meetings with Senator Adam Schiff and Congressman Mike Levin (D-CA-49), where they proudly shared the impactful work they are doing as part of their club. The students highlighted campus-wide initiatives such as the Got Goals Campaign – Encouraging students to focus on their aspirations as a protective factor against substance use and the Perfection is an Illusion Campaign – Addressing the pressures of perfectionism and promoting self-acceptance and resilience. They spoke about the importance of federal support for prevention efforts at the local level and advocated for the youth to be given a voice when decision making. When speaking with Congressmen Levin, Evan said,” I am not yet old enough to vote, but my voice matters, and you are my voice when making decisions.”
Their conversations with legislators allowed them to showcase how young people are making a real difference in their communities. By leading prevention initiatives, raising awareness, and fostering meaningful discussions, these students are proving that youth voices are powerful forces for change. Through the Federal Drug Free Communities grant that the Wellness & Prevention Center for 7 years, our community is mentoring youth leaders and allowing them to lead positive change.
Beyond advocacy, the experience helped Dani, Evan, and Katie develop valuable leadership skills and gain deeper insight into what it takes to build healthier, stronger communities. They especially enjoyed their tour of the Capitol Building and time spent with Congressman Mike Levin’s aid. Their work serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that young leaders can truly make a difference when given the right platform and support.
As they return home, these young people bring fresh ideas, strengthened resolve, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact. Their participation in CADCA is a testament to the power of youth-led prevention efforts and the importance of continuing this vital work in our schools and neighborhoods.
The Wellness & Prevention Center is the fiscal agent for the Wellness & Prevention Coalition, a federally funded Drug Free Communities coalition with the goals of increasing community collaboration and decreasing youth substance use. The coalition meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 3:30pm at the Outlets at San Clemente. For more information please email lauren@wpc-oc.org.