LHS holds “Real Talk” panel: a discussion about drugs and alcohol

Anya Belomoina|September 15, 2018

Anya Belomoina
Dr. Tom Koulentes opened up the discussion addressing his time spent at LHS and his disappointment with the seniors’ first day senior shirt decision. Every year, senior students show up on the first day with phrases on their shirts regarding usage of alcohol. This year’s shirts read “Less Thinking, More Drinking.”

In conjunction with a letter was sent out recently to parents of LHS students concerning increased alcohol and drug usage amongst LHS students, a panel discussion open to all students and parents was hosted on Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Studio Theater. The event, called “Real Talk: A Candid Conversation about Underage Drinking in Libertyville,” was led by Principal Dr. Tom Koulentes and included Dr. Brenda Nelson, the prevention and wellness coordinator, Dr. Bill Watson, a surgeon at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Chris Stride, a felony trial judge in Lake County, Elliot Pincel, a criminal justice attorney, John Woods, the athletic director, and two student speakers, Maja Gavrilovic and Matt Smith (DOI’s online editor). During this discussion, panel members explained their disapproval with underage drinking and showed the harmful effects it could have.