Former NBA professional basketball player Chris Herren visited the high school on Feb. 27 for a powerful antidrug talk with juniors and seniors about his remarkable journey from success to addiction to recovery. Herren’s raw and inspiring presentation is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to continued education for the community on substance abuse.

The event was sponsored by a special partnership of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Islip Schools’ IDEA Task Force Coalition, Islip’s North Community Watch and State Sen. Phil Boyle, the Islip Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Clubs of Islip, Sayville, Hauppauge and Rotary District 7255. Herren also delivered a second free presentation that evening to a sold-out crowd at Trinity Lutheran Church.

“Trinity Lutheran Church was pleased to again partner with Islip Schools and Sen. Boyle to share Chris’ story with our young people regarding the impact of heroin and other addictions currently plaguing our community,” said Pastor Michael Stanek. “There is hope for those who need help and Christ’s guidance in battling addiction, and my door is always open to offer hope, guidance and prayer.”