By Emily Girsch.

Students and members of the community gathered at Windsor Central High School tonight for a second annual drug awareness night.


The evening began with remarks by the Dr. Alan Wilmarth, the Director of Behavioral Health Services at UHS, on the important role of family and community support in substance abuse prevention.


School officials appreciated his words.


"Tonight it's about connecting family and community on our collaborative effort that's needed in safeguarding our kids," said Scott Beattie, assistant superintendent.


The remarks were followed by small group sessions on different topics such as signs of drug abuse as well as teen social media use.


"I think the most important thing is us as parents aren't paying attention to the little details," said parent, Melany Palmer.


The sessions encouraged more open communication between parents and their kids.


High school students helped out at the event as well.


"It just feels like it's a really big epidemic and we want to help out as much as we can," said 9th grade student Marlee Bixby.


Administrators said that by having more educational nights like this one, they hope to cut down on problems like drugs and encourage young people to make wiser decisions.


"More things like this and just letting them know that that's not the only people and that there are people here who are willing to help," said Bixby.