Libertyville Connect Coalition Newsletter

Year in Review - 2025

As we wrap up the year, I’ve been reflecting on some powerful “wins” for our coalition and community over the past year, including:

Building Our Foundation

We hit the ground running in our mission to engage, educate, and empower our community—with a focus on youth substance prevention and mental health awareness.

January–March: Students Leading Change

In January, our YCC members met with State Representative Laura Faver Dias, who introduced House Bill 2951 in collaboration with the students. The proposed legislation called for an 8:45 AM start time for all high schools across Illinois, a change supported by research linking later start times to improvements in teen mental health, academic performance, and even reductions in car crashes.

Over the following two months, students worked tirelessly to raise awareness—from presenting to the D128 School Board to lobbying at the State Capitol. On March 5, YCC students addressed the House Education Committee and met with legislators to advocate for teen wellness. Their efforts were featured by both a Springfield news station and CBS News Chicago.

While the bill didn’t pass this session, the experience was rich in learning, leadership, and impact. The students plan to continue their advocacy work—laying the groundwork for future progress.

April: Real Talk Returns

Just the other week, we brought back our "Real Talk" event, which included a Naloxone training followed by a compelling speaker panel. Panelists included an LHS student, Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach Kevin Thunholm, the Honorable Judge Christopher Stride, and Defense Attorney Eliot Pinsel.

One particularly poignant moment came when Judge Stride reflected on the Deerfield/Hutsell case, noting:

“Two parents made a decision to allow alcohol to be served to the kids of 100 other parents. It cost them everything.”

These are difficult conversations—but essential ones. As our teens enter the season of proms and graduation parties, many families wrestle with how to support their child while keeping them (and others) safe. No parent wants to be seen as “uncool”—but we also hold a responsibility to be a steady voice of care and caution.

As parents make decisions for upcoming celebrations, consider asking:

What is the safest possible course of action?

Are there alternatives that reduce risk while preserving joy?

Am I comfortable making a decision that could impact someone else’s child?

September: Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training

In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Libertyville Connect partnered with Advocate Condell and Cook Memorial Library in offering a 90-minute suicide prevention training to interested community members. This training was mirrored at Libertyville High School with interested students who were trained in QPR for Youth during their lunch hour.

November: Libertyville Snowflake Event

Snowflake returned for its fifth year at Libertyville High School. High school leaders invited 7th and 8th graders from Highland, Oak Grove, Rondout, and St. Joe’s. This high school student-led event brought high energy and inspiration around the theme: Stronger Inside and Out. Parents can save the date for next year’s event: Friday, November 13, 2026. Keep an eye on this site and/or communication from your middle school for registration information next fall.

In Closing

We know that every parent reading this is here because they deeply care. You're navigating a complex season of parenting—and doing your best to balance love, trust, and responsibility. As a coalition, we are here to listen and support your concerns. If you would like to join our efforts, please email lconnectcoalition@gmail.com or reach out to me directly at brenda.nelson@d128.org.

Let’s continue showing up for our teens in ways that protect their future, affirm their worth, and reflect the hopes we carry for them.

Warmly,

Brenda Nelson

Board Chair, Libertyville Connect