SHANNON BENNETT with his Friday Night Live Club at Santiago High (GGUSD photo).

Santiago High School Health teacher Shannon Bennett was recognized this week for her leadership in the area of drug and alcohol prevention. During a surprise celebration organized by her students, family, and the Orange County Department of Education, Bennett was presented with the 2022 Linda Kearns Community Prevention Award from the Orange County Substance Abuse Prevention Network.

OCDE Prevention Coordinator Stephan Lambert and Program Specialist Ryan Crowdis recognized Bennett for building one of the strongest and most consistent Friday Night Live Clubs in Orange County. She has served as Club Advisor for 10 years, and has spearheaded powerful efforts that engage young people in substance abuse prevention initiatives.

“A key reason for the club’s success is Shannon’s supportive presence and genuine interest in her students’ well-being,” said Lambert. “For many students, she is their trusted adult, ally, and mentor–a strong protective factor against substance use and other risk behaviors.”

Bennett’s FNL Club cheered her on during the celebration which was also attended by her husband and son, nearly a dozen colleagues from OCDE, Santiago Principal Christine Pijl and GGUSD Board of Education Trustee Teri Rocco. 

Raising cash for kids

The Women’s Division of the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce will have a luncheon on Thursday. Oct. 20 at SteelCraft, 12900 Euclid St. in Garden Grove at 11:30 a.m. 

The division raises money for scholarships for graduating high school seniors from the Garden Grove Unified School District.

Working on more parks

The second of three public workshops on the Parks Master Plan for the City of Stanton will be held on Friday, Oct. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the council chambers, 7800 Katella Ave.

Oversight members needed

The Board of Trustees of the Westminster School District  is seeking qualified candidates to serve as committee members on the lndependent Citizens’ Oversight Committee for the Measure T Bond program. Qualified candidates must live within the Westminster School District attendance boundaries. WSD is seeking to fill a vacancy in the”Community at Large” category. Apply at www.wsdk8.us .

Take a chance on good cause

CASINO games for a good cause (Shutterstock).

“Boots & Bowties,” a casino fundraiser for the The Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach, will be held on Saturday. Oct. 22 at the Senior Center in Central Park, 18041 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach from 5-10 p.m.

Tickets are $95, which includes two drinks and $200 in chips. For a game table, the price is $350 for two guests with your name as a sponsor game on a casino game table, along with $200 chips per person.

A sponsorship is $650, which has a table for eight people, two bottles of wine and $200 in chips per person. All participants must be 21 and over. To purchase tickets, visit www.trchb.org . 

A scary story at library

“Library Trick-or-Treat Night” is Thursday, Oct. 27 from 7-8 p.m. at the Central Library (7111 Talbert Ave.) in Huntington Beach. Put on your costume and zombie shuffle over to the Central Library for a safe & fun evening of trick-or-treating.  

Trick-or-treat stations will be set up throughout the main floor of the library. This event is open to the public & registration is not required. Library Trick-or-Treat Night is best suited for ages 3-12 and their family. Children must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult at all times while participating.

Treats are available while supplies last.