The Warren Hills Community Coalition and the Washington Municipal Alliance recently hosted the Drug Free All-Stars, a traveling basketball team with a mission to inspire and empower youth.  The All-Stars game was held for students participating in the Washington Summer Recreation program to promote the importance of making good decisions and avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol. 

The Drug Free All-Stars, based in West Virginia, use basketball as a way to communicate with students about making good decisions, staying drug-free, and having confidence and self-respect. Team members use games, dance, music, trick shots and contests to interact with students and teach lessons about making healthful choices. 

The Drug Free All-Stars played against 40 students from the summer recreation program at the Middle School to support their campaign’s message of “Keep Your Head in the Game.” 

Greg Puckett, coordinator for the Drug Free All-Stars, shared an inspirational message with the students prior to the game that communicated the importance of believing in oneself and doing the right thing no matter what.  This message motivated students to always “keep their head in the game” and not let distractions, such as drugs and alcohol, stand in the way of them achieving their dreams.  Following the games, the All Stars signed autographs and interacted with the students. 

“We were thrilled to have them come to New Jersey and deliver their positive message to our local students,” said Liz Montalvo, Project Assistant of the Warren Hills Community Coalition. “We hope to continue building on the momentum they created by developing a Warren Hills Drug Free All-Stars Club in the upcoming school year.  This club would be student run and serve as a great addition to the work of our coalition.”