Breaking: The Hillsborough schools won the taxing case in circuit court. tampabay.com/news/education…

It was so rewarding to spend some time this morning with our friends at @HCSO. NOPE of Hillsborough President cathy valdes shared with the School Resource Deputies the importance of their role in the NOPE student presentations.

In light of the ongoing storm-related recovery and restoration, the NOPE Hillsborough Annual Candlelight Vigil, scheduled for October 24, has been CANCELED. A rescheduled date has yet to be determined. Our prayers are with each of you as we continue to support one another.

Our message rang clearly as Beth Butler told the story of her son, Mitchell, and Jason Crimi introduced his brother Kevin to sophomores at Newome High by sharing the story of Kevin's addiction and eventual overdose death. @HCSO Deputy Gray connected by reporting a personal story.

It isn't usual that two of the stories included in today's presentation with Plant High School sophomores happen to be from their high school. Scott Sehres and Katie Golden, both former Plant High students, died from substance overdose. Let's end this epidemic of ovedose death!

A quick re-introduction: We’re NOPE Hillsborough, a nonprofit saving lives through drug prevention education. Follow us for tips, events, and resources! 💙

Youth substance abuse is a challenge that affects entire communities—but together, we can help break the cycle. Education, support, and action are key to creating a brighter future for our youth. Check out our powerful video PSA below: nopehillsborough.org/video/

Today, NOPE delivered a powerful presentation to Leto High juniors and seniors. Special thanks to our incredible volunteers—Gary & Vivian Sparkman, Gerri Marsocci, and Cathy Valdes—for setting the stage for this impactful event!

Thank you for a productive 2024! With the amazing support of our community, we’ve been able to reach over 150,000 students since beginning our presentations in 2012. Our work is just beginning. Nopehillsborough.org

Our scholarship deadline for Hillsborough County Seniors is approaching! 30 days away. More info below: nopehillsborough.org/scholarship/

We are TWO weeks away! The NOPE of Hillsborough Scholarship application deadline is approaching on April 11, 2025.. Apply below: nopehillsborough.org/scholarship/

NOPE scholarship applications for Hillsborough County seniors are due SOON! Deadline midnight, April 11. Online application can be found on our website at nopehillsborough.org/scholarship/

Time is running out! Seniors, go to the NOPE website nopehillsborough.org/scholarship/ for the online application. We will be awarding 10, $1,000 scholarships. Deadline is APRIL 11 @ midnight.

Today, we were honored to present to the juniors and seniors at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School. You could have heard a pin drop as Tracy Carathanasis told of son Drew's overdose from prescription medication. Moderator Cathy Valdes reminded about the 911 Good SamaritanLaw

Attention Hillsborough County high school seniors: the NOPE of Hillsborough Scholarship application deadline is APRIL 11, 2025, at midnight. There is still time to apply!! Nopehillsborough.org

Wharton High senior, Samantha Leyva Suarez, was awarded a NOPE Hillsborough scholarship, funded by the Michael Valdes Foundation, in memory of Michael Valdes, who died of a prescription drug overdose. Samantha has a 7.6 weighted GPA and is headed to USF to study biomedicine!

NOPE Hillsborough is excited to announce another scholarship awardee for 2025. Taylor Gillespie, a senior at Bloomingdale High School, has been awarded a $1,000 NOPE scholarship, funded by the Michael Valdes Foundation. Congratulations, Taylor!

Thank you to all of our community leaders, partners and volunteers who came out to help make this year's Annual Candlelight Vigil a success. We came together to remember those who have lost their lives to an overdose death, and to work together to stop these senseless deaths.

Dear President Donald J. Trump Marijuana is an addictive drug linked to DUI fatalities, low IQ and psychosis. Please say NO to rescheduling marijuana! #PublicHealth "Not only does marijuana use lead to more crashes and “cause an IQ problem,” but it has also been linked to the

Clean out your medicine cabinets and drop off unneeded and expired medications 💊 at a DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day location near you! On Saturday October 25th from 10 am to 2 pm.