As a board member for the Fountain Hills Coalition, I couldn’t be more inspired and awed by the wonderful students we have in our local school system.

The coalition last week hosted its sixth annual essay contest at the high school, and we had a record 193 entries.

The 18 finalists – which included the top three winners – are truly gifted teenaged writers who were not bashful in spilling their heartfelt emotions and opinions.

After hearing tales of dying family members, coming out stories and triumphantly overcoming self-doubt angst, I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house among audience members.

Coalition members, business supporters, elected officials, teachers school administrators, parents and other guests were treated to a spectacular display of courage and honesty from these young adults.

I want to thank all the teens for the willingness to bare their souls. It definitely is not easy to get up in front of an audience and share intimate thoughts and feelings.

The Fountain Hills Coalition is doing great work in town. Drug prevention can be a thankless job, but hard data is showing that the coalition is making a difference in this community.

Thanks to everyone who supports this collaborative community endeavor!