Diana (Russo) Meyer, 2014 Hilton High School graduate and Mrs. NY American, visited her alma mater on October 7 to deliver important messages about making good choices, the dangers of drug use, and having a good life balance. A former student of Mike Ellicott, health teacher, Meyer used the book Victoria’s Voice to drive home her message to the class that one cannot live a life dictated by drugs. The book is about Victoria Siegel, who died of a drug overdose at the age of 18. It is written by her parents, David A. and Jackie Siegel, former Mrs. Florida America and current Mrs. Florida America State Director.
The book is based on Victoria’s diary and follows her life from being a happy, healthy teen to a teen dramatically influenced by drugs and alcohol. Meyer told students that the ability to make positive choices in life is influenced by the people around them. “Surround yourself with people who will motivate you and help you to be the best version of yourself,” she said.
Meyer also talked about her own life as a teen in Hilton and how her grades, extracurricular activities, and jobs came first, which didn’t leave much time for enjoying life. “Take time to enjoy life’s moments,” she said. “Have a balance and think about what really matters.”
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