Project Prevention Champions Honored

What do you call someone who has helped provide support for a healthier life in our community by reducing risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse, supporting recovery and building assets for our youth and other community members?

The Rice County Chemical Health Coalition calls them Project Prevention Champions. The Coalition will be honoring six individuals and one organization that have made significant contributions to the prevention, treatment and recovery from drug and alcohol abuse for residents in Rice County.

The 2011 Project Prevention Champions were nominated by fellow community members and chosen by a committee of individuals with close ties to local prevention efforts.

The Northfield award recipients include the following:

• Paul Beaumaster, the Rice County Attorney, was nominated by a local parent who appreciates Paul’s genuine desire to see our kids grow up strong and healthy. Paul’s column in the local newspapers sends a strong message about his commitment to creating an environment for youth to develop in a healthy way. In the courtroom and in the community, Paul’s commitment to substance abuse prevention is clear and firm.

• Tom Graupmann, the Activities Director of Northfield High School, was nominated by local parents for his enthusiastic support of the “Pure Performance: Life of an Athlete Program,” its implementation in Northfield and his advocacy for the program throughout the state.

• The Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol & Drug Use was nominated as a group of volunteer citizens who have developed a coherent action plan that focuses on prevention, strengthening community resources, enforcement and education. The individuals on the task force being honored include Curt Benson, Katherine Cooper, Patty Gallivan, Judi Harper-Malecha, Paul Hart Ruthenbeck, Joan Janusz, Jackie McBeain, Kristine Matson, Mark Mohlke, Mary F. Nelson, Susan Sanderson and Kris Vohs.

In Faribault, the following individuals will receive awards: Donna Crowl, a Faribault community member who is committed to providing access to activities for area youth; Ed Hoisington for his leadership of the Double Impact initiative; Rhonda Mulder of District One Hospital; and Martha Schultz, the Youth Development Coordinator of Faribault Public Schools.

For more information regarding the Project Prevention awards or other resources offered through the Rice County Chemical Health Coalition, please visit www.ricecountychc.com.