Isles’ Kyle Palmieri joins Riverhead’s 38th annual ‘Say NO to Drugs’ march

The streets of downtown Riverhead were filled with cheers, posters, and powerful messages last week as the community came together for the 38th annual Say NO to Drugs March.

Led by New York Islanders winger and 2019 NHL All-Star Kyle Palmieri, the event brought out students, teachers, school officials, and local leaders — all walking in support of drug and alcohol prevention.

The annual march, organized by the Riverhead Community Awareness Program (CAP), began outside Pulaski Street School and followed a route through the heart of Riverhead, past Town Hall, before returning to the school for a ceremony.

Palmieri, who joined the students at the front of the line, greeted marchers and posed for photos along the way.

“His dedication, determination, and mission to give back to the community makes him a wonderful role model for our youth and community,” said Felicia Scocozza, CAP’s executive director, on Palmieri’s participation in the march.

The march concluded with a ceremony on the front steps of Pulaski Street School, followed by a picnic lunch served by the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1742 — a tradition that’s continued for years.

Since 1983, Riverhead CAP has worked to prevent substance abuse through education and support. Their Too Good for Drugs program, taught by community volunteers and student peer leaders, wraps each year with the Say NO to Drugs March.

The program reaches more than 800 fifth- and sixth-graders annually, focusing not only on drug prevention, but also on building self-esteem, setting goals, and making healthy life decisions.

Scroll down for photos from the day.