NADFW - Clyde Catron's Amazing Visit

For this year's National Alcohol and Drug Facts Week (NADFW), we hosted guest speaker, Clyde Catron, who shared his story of homelessness, alcohol and drug addiction, and repeated incarceration for a period of seven years until he was given a a life-altering choice by the Los Angeles County Court: six years in prison or two years of treatment. Clyde chose recovery, sparking a transformation he once thought impossible. Now over three years sober, Clyde is an Addiction Studies student and a vocal advocate for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. Through his social media platform of 32,000 followers, he documents his journey to demystify addiction, navigate systemic barriers, and provide a roadmap for others to find their way back.

During his three-day visit at CSD, Clyde provided five different workshops for Middle School, High School and Real World program students.   Clyde quickly engaged our High School students, shared his story honestly and openly , and his message was "what is your goal? What is your purpose in life?" and how alcohol and drugs can quickly affect your staying focused on your goals.   Clyde also had dinners with our residential students, which allowed some of our students the opportunity to sit down and chat with him one-on-one. Students were very engaged with his presentation style, asked many questions, were eager to chat with Clyde and give out high fives while he was on campus.  

Aside working with students, our school counselors, student life staff, teachers, and certain staff had the opportunity to connect with Clyde formally or informally.  Among their conversations, they discussed strategies on how to provide direct and indirect support towards our students who are struggling with personal and/or family challenges.  Plus, he had the opportunity to meet and play with some Deaf pickleball smashers at Lake Elizabeth Lake park.

We recognize that many of you wanted to see the presentation and do hope you understand that the intent of this event was for our middle and high school students and those staff working directly with them.  Good news, Clyde was interviewed by the Talon Media and his presentation was recorded.  Once the media is ready, it will be available for your perusal.  It is not our intent to exclude anyone but to benefit our adolescent and adult students directly. 

We would like to thank the NADFW planning committee and contributors for their support in making this event a meaningful event for our students:

Clyde Catron for being candid about his journey and all of his straight talk with our students

Parodi Charitable Trust for the funding support

Julie Bella

Giselle Hendrix

Kristen Malm

Nancy McAnlis

Jayne Spaeth

Jimel Brightly Wright

Holly Bullard for coordinating evening activities with student leaders

Maureen Klusza’s Digital Media class for the interview and recording services

Jason Kulchinsky’s Class for the 3D manufactured gift

And those who we might have overlooked…

Very soon, our Seniors will have the opportunity to engage with our campus Safety Resource Officer (SRO) to learn about the risks of driving under the influence and the laws related to DUI's.  As part of the DUI experience, students actively participate in a stimulated goggle and breath analyzer demonstration to help students recognize the impact of alcohol and drugs on impaired driving ( which can also be impaired bicycle riding, scooter riding, and walking in public).

With Eagle Pride,

Clark Brooke, Ed.S

High School Administrative Principal

Nancy Moser

Supervisor of Counseling and Vision Services