Whittier Tech’s Above the Influence Program Hosts Guest Speaker
Every teen’s life is filled with pressure, some of it good, some of it bad. The goal of Above the Influence has always been to help teens stand up to negative pressures, or influences. The more aware you are of the influences around you, the better prepared you will be to face them, including the pressure to use drugs and alcohol.
Today, Whittier Tech’s Above the Influence Program welcomed Anthony Sideri to campus with the purpose to speak to our Grade 9 students. He shared his experiences during his time as a high school student at North Andover High where he was a good student and a skilled hockey player for the school team, but was struggling with whether or not he was fitting in with his peers. He wanted to be liked. He always had every intention of saying “no” to drugs and alcohol. He was successful in this, until his sophomore year. This led down a path to more drugs and alcohol. Sideri discussed how events in his life led him to hitting rock bottom and how he overcame his addiction. Sideri is now married with a beautiful family, owns a local barbershop,and has been sober for more than 15 years. He has been inspiring students throughout New England to make more positive choices for themselves by detailing his journey. We thank you, Anthony, for bringing your story to the Class of 2026.
Above the Influence Advisor Stephanie Hatchell said, “Today's presentation was really impactful. As Anthony shared his story with our Grade 9 students, you could tell that his words were resonating with them and it was an extremely eye-opening look into a dark period in his life. The Above the Influence Advisors here at Whittier are always trying to find ways to help keep our students above the influence of drugs, alcohol, and negative pressures. If just one student makes the decision to not use drugs or alcohol after hearing Anthony's story, then I would consider today a huge success.”
In addition to Hatchell who teaches History, Guidance Counselors Michelle Catena and Rachael Rossi all serve as Above the Influence Advisors.
ATI Advisor Stephanie Hatchell, Guest Speaker Anthony Scideri, ATI Advisor Michelle Catena, and ATI Advisor Rachael Rossi