In 2024, LYA and Stand Up Sachems hosted a number of events. For Alcohol Awareness Month, 200 Laconia Middle School Students tested their knowledge about alcohol, which was made possible by our Stand Up Sachems club! For Mental Health Awareness Month, Laconia Middle School students put on activities like positivity rock decorative and planting positivity to showcase on school grounds (pictured).

We partnered with the Laconia Police Department to provide community members with information and resources for safe medical disposal and storage.

Prom night has been identified as one of the most dangerous nights of the year for young people making high-risk choices. In 2024, we worked with the community to host a Chem-Free After Prom Party, which was a safe, supervised environment for all Laconia High School students to celebrate and enjoy time together. We spent the night with a hypnotist, enjoyed concessions, games, raffle prizes, and more!

In March, we hosted our annual Glow Skate event to create a fun, substance-free activity for our community members in the colder months. Activities included ice skating, face painting, a resource fair, and pizza!

In August, LYA joined Laconia PD for their National Night Out. We shared information about upcoming events like Party in the Park and a showing of Screenagers Under the Influence, passed out community resources, and shared our coalition’s mission. Thank you to Bolduc Park who provided us with free passes to share with individuals as well!

LYA's 3rd Annual Party in the Park celebration was hosted at Leavitt Park. Youth performed in a talent show (pictured), there was live music from the Duncan Idaho Band, free food, face painting, lawn games, and community resources. Thank you to our sponsors: 104.9 The Hawk, who broadcasted the event live; BJs, Hannaford, and Vista Foods who provided food for the event; Funspot, Bolduc Park, and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center for gift cards provided to talent show participants and a free raffle; and to the Laconia Professional Firefighters Local 1153 for use of their grill. A huge shoutout to our performers: Emma, Mercy, Storm, and Stonehenge!

In Laconia Middle and High School, we have the opportunity to co-lead Stand Up Sachems with our school advisors. Students who sign up help us plan events like Red Ribbon Week, parades, and more!

This year, we had the wonderful opportunity to share resources, educational materials, and some trivia questions at the Laconia Multicultural Festival. Thank you to everyone who played!