The Fountain Hills Coalition began the new school year with a strong showing among its various sector representatives.

Currently in the fifth year of a five-year federal grant, the coalition was established to coalesce different “sectors” in the community to battle primarily underage drinking and illegal drug use.

Community coalitions are comprised of parents, school officials, law enforcement, businesses, religious leaders, health providers and other community activists who are mobilizing at the local level to make their communities safer, healthier and drug-free.

The coalition this school year hopes to get more parents involved in its efforts and have a high school student or two attend its regular sector meetings.

Dr. Patrick Sweeney, the new FHUSD schools superintendent, attended the recent coalition meeting along with two of his principals – Tom Brennan from the high school and Anita Gomez from the middle school.

Also new to the meeting was Dr. Bill Myhr, director of education at the Fort McDowell Indian Community.

The coalition hopes to coordinate some efforts with the reservation and assist where it can. A strong percentage of Fort McDowell students attend Fountain Hills’ schools.

Jerry Traylor told the group it was inspiring to see so many community groups represented around the table at the meeting.

Sweeney later said, “Like Jerry said, it’s pretty special having all the people who were around the table in the same place at the same time.

“That is an awesome group and I’m honored to be a part.”

More information about the Fountain Hills Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is available at www.fhcoalition.org or searching for it on Facebook.