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A former professional lacrosse player and college football and lacrosse standout who struggled with alcohol and substance abuse. He is now a motivational speaker who talks to high school athletes about the dangers of substance abuse.

Rochester Police to Welcome Motivational Speaker During Red Ribbon Week

By Jordan Mayblum

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Rochester Police Department’s Juvenile Division is bringing the national motivational speaker, Ken Bartolo of There and Back, to Rochester to kick off Red Ribbon Week 2019, the national honor for DEA Agent Enrique Camarena that lost his life in a drug raid.

The Rochester Police Department is working with the Rochester School District to bring There and Back to our local athletes, their families and the community. There and Back, is the story of former professional athlete and collegiate football and lacrosse star Ken Bartolo. Ken shares the story of his 27 years of substance abuse, 3 years in state prison and the incredible story of his recovery. This presentation is an honest, authentic, and powerful look at the world of addiction and how it can destroy the lives of even the most promising of our youth. Ken’s message is meant to encourage today’s youth to believe that, with faith in themselves, anything is possible.

The presentations will be held Monday, October 21, 2019 at Spaulding High School at 9AM to the athletic student body; Rochester Middle School to the entire student body, and a parent session being held at the Rochester Opera House at 6:30PM. This is an opportunity for the community to see the connections between sports injuries, addiction and our youth and to help spread the national message of Red Ribbon Week about substance and alcohol use prevention.

For more details you can contact Nicole Rodler, Juvenile Division Coordinator, at the Rochester Police Department, at (603)330-7149 or nicole.rodler@rochesternh.net.