The Prevention Excellence Awards
Excellence in Student Leadership

2006-2007 Award Summaries

Lauren Bartolotti, Class of 2010
Roger Williams University
Taking on the responsibility as co-chair of daytime programs for Roger Williams University's S.E.X. Week (Safe and Educational eXperiences), Lauren successfully promoted and implemented numerous educational programs. "Is It Worth It?," a 6-foot collage displayed in the dining hall throughout the week, contained clippings of alcohol ads, labels, packaging, and the names of students who have died as a result of numerous alcohol-related tragedies. Over the course of the day, Roger Williams students added 15 more names to the collage. On a separate day, "Seize The Keys" invited students to pose for pictures with their friends. The pictures were then made into plastic keychains which students could carry with them as a reminder of the importance of friendships and taking care of one another. Lauren planned and implemented additional programs throughout the week, contributing to the success of the event and demonstrating her commitment to the health and safety of her peers at Roger Williams.

Paul Berruti, Anthony Bisconti, III, Nicholas Gava, and Glenn Laverty, Class of 2009
Lehigh University
Rather than accept the status quo, these four Lehigh University students identified opportunities to create a fulfilling social life where alcohol is not the focus. They had established a community in which they studied, ate, lived, and socialized together. Last fall, they decided they would do whatever was necessary to maintain this community beyond the first and second year, for themselves and their peers. They created a proposal, contract, and guidelines, and met with nearly every administrator, including the president, to plead their case for guaranteed housing for the substance-free community on campus. In January 2007, they succeeded in their mission and currently have over 125 students who will live in a substance-free upper class community thanks to their efforts. They are currently in the process of creating additional programs and opportunities for this growing community through use of Outside The Classroom's social networking site, AlterEdū™.

J.C. Fleming, III, Class of 2009
Alpha Tau Omega, University of Mississippi
Inspired by his older sister's success in the creation of a designated driver program at the University of Missouri, J.C. worked to reduce the incidents of drunk driving and remove the stigma associated with choosing not to drink at Ole Miss. Working in collaboration with local bars, restaurants, and the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, J.C. developed CHEERS (Creatively Helping to Establish an Educated and Responsible Society). CHEERS partners with local bars and restaurants to provide free, non-alcoholic drinks in bright red CHEERS cups to designated drivers. With support from fellow brothers in the Delta Psi Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity, along with his chapter advisor, J.C. has created a program recognized by the state of Mississippi through a $5,000 grant from their Department of Public Safety.

Morgan Sell, Class of 2007
Order of Omega, Pi Kappa Phi, University of Florida
This past year, the University of Florida (UF) decided to reinstate Greek Week, an event which had been previously discontinued as a result of an increasing number of alcohol-related incidents. As the president of Order of Omega, an honor society within the Greek community, and a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Morgan took what most would consider to be an unpopular stand in planning for the event. Rather than using a downtown venue with a reputation for encouraging high-risk drinking, why not keep the events on campus, alcohol-free, and respectful? Through articulate and passionate pleas for unity and resolve, Morgan rallied the executive committee to set a new precedent for campus projects. His determination resulted in the development of new and imaginative ideas that proved to an entire community that alcohol-free events DO have a place on college campuses. The week of popular events - including a tug-of-war, a day of community service, and a Greek spirit competition - also proved that Greek Week is about supporting the UF Greek community's committment to scholarship, service, community, and leadership.

2007-2008 Prevention Excellence Awards
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