Old Rochester Regional High School held presentation of “Sullivan’s Message” on Wednesday, April 17.During the presentation, Kathi Sullivan shared the tragic story of her daughter, Taylor Meyer, a 17-year-old-high high school senior from Plainville, who drowned in 2008 after wandering away from an outdoor underage drinking party. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT— Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Michael Devoll are pleased to share that, thanks to a partnership with the Mattapoisett Police Department, a special presentation of “Sullivan Message” was held at Old Rochester Regional High School on Wednesday, April 16.
The presentation, which focuses on the dangers of drug use, was funded by the Town of Mattapoisett, using resources received through national opioid lawsuit settlement funds.
“Sullivan’s Message” shares the tragic story of Taylor Meyer, a 17-year-old high school senior from Plainville, who drowned in 2008 after wandering away from an outdoor underage drinking party. Her mother, Kathi Sullivan, shares her story to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use and the importance of making safe, thoughtful decisions with the future in mind.
In addition to Kathi Sullivan’s presentation, her husband Chris Sullivan gave a presentation in each of the two sessions called “Not in the Playbook,” speaking on his personal story of recovery from substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. Sullivan is a former NFL football player for the New England Patriots, who went from winning the Super Bowl to fighting for his life, battling anxiety and an addiction to drugs. But now he shares a message of hope, coping and mental health wellness.
The presentations, given to all Old Rochester Regional High School students during two separate sessions, featured a heavy focus on substance use, alcohol awareness, mental health and wellness. Instead of succumbing to short-term temptations and misguided loyalty, the presentations encouraged students to prioritize health, integrity and long-term goals.
After their presentations, the Sullivans handed out pink and blue bracelets for students, and they also passed around Sullivan’s Super Bowl ring. The pink bracelet carries the message “Taylor Lee Meyer” and “I’m Here 4 A Reason,” while the blue bracelet makes a statement, “Sullivan’s Message” and “YOU MATTER.”
For more information about “Sullivan’s Message” and “Not in the Playbook,” go online to www.sullivansmessage.com.
The presentations were coordinated with the help of Mattapoisett Police Department in partnership with Old Rochester Regional High School staff and Sgt. Junior Cardoso, who previously served as a school resource officer.
“As a former school resource officer, the mission was always to create and ensure a safe learning and working environment for our students,” said Sgt. Cardoso. “I also made it a point in teaching life lessons to the students — something they could take with them outside of school to help them make good decisions, with safety being the objective. I believe this presentation is something that will help with that in their lives moving forward.”
Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King emphasized the department’s commitment to prevention and community engagement, explaining that “Sullivan’s Message” provides a powerful lesson on the importance of making good decisions regarding drug and alcohol use. Chief King said the Police Department is grateful for the Town of Mattapoisett’s continued support for proactive, life-saving education.
“Our job isn’t just about enforcement — it’s about education, support, and giving our young people the tools to make good choices,” Chief King said. “‘Sullivan’s Message’ delivers a lesson that can stay with them long after graduation. We thank the Town of Mattapoisett and Town Administrator Michael Lorenco for recognizing the strong value of turning settlement funds into a meaningful investment in our students’ futures.”
Superintendent Nelson and Principal Devoll both thanked Kathi and Chris Sullivan for delivering powerful, touching presentations about the dangers of substance use and the importance of making good decisions.
“We were grateful to be able to bring this presentation Old Rochester Regional High School to provide this important message to our students about the dangers that can result from alcohol and drugs, and the tremendous challenge that addiction poses for people in recovery,” Principal Devoll said. “Thank you to the Mattapoisett Police Department and the Town of Mattapoisett for making this event possible. We want the best for our students and want to see them all grow to live happy, healthy lives.”
“‘Sullivan’s Message’ is a heartbreaking but inspiring story, and we thank Kathi and Chris Sullivan for all they’ve done to share this with all of us,” said Superintendent Nelson. “This presentation provided not just a dire warning but also heartfelt encouragement for our students to make safe, thoughtful decisions. We’d like to thank Mattapoisett Police Department and Mattapoisett Town Administrator Michael Lorenco for supporting this important event for our students. We are grateful for all of your help in our collective efforts to look out for the safety and wellbeing of our students.”
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Following the presentation, students were given pink and blue bracelets. The pink one carries the message “Taylor Lee Meyer” and “I’m Here 4 A Reason,” while the blue one makes a statement, “Sullivan’s Message” and “YOU MATTER. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Kathi Sullivan shares her story of her daughter Taylor Meyer to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use and the importance of making safe, thoughtful decisions with the future in mind. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
Chris Sullivan gave a presentation called “Not in the Playbook” on his story of recovery from substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. Sullivan is a former NFL football player for the New England Patriots. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
From left to right, Mattapoisett Police Sgt. Junior Cardoso, Kathi Sullivan, Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shari Fedorowicz and Chris Sullivan. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
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