News Release
May 29, 2007
Summit High graduates three more students
Now completing its second year of operation, Summit High School has become a local success story, and a beacon of hope, for students and families facing the acute challenges that accompany reentry into a public school setting after completing a treatment program for drug or alcohol abuse.
This June, three more students will graduate with full diplomas, and be able to continue their lives in a positive, healthy manner. It might have been much more difficult to navigate such an outcome without the strong support of a drug-free, nurturing environment heavily focused on academics.
“Drug addiction is a serious disease that needs treatment if individuals have any hope of getting their lives back together,” said County Superintendent of Schools Bill Cirone, whose office runs the program. “It’s also clear that addiction affects not only the individual who is struggling to deal with it, but all the family members, loved ones, and friends who are affected as well,” he said.
“Anyone who’s had a son or daughter battling addiction knows the intense fear and challenges that loom every day,” he added. Treatment programs, counseling, and other support services exist to help. But then what? In particular, what happens with the child’s education? Too often students in recovery from substance abuse will start using again if they return to the environment where they started using in the first place.”
Based on models used in other states, it has been documented that it can help immeasurably if young people in recovery are removed from the environment and the peers who initially influenced them to abuse drugs or alcohol. Summit High School provides students with a much better chance for success in the long run.
Until now, parents have faced this dilemma with few options. As a result, the cycle of addiction has persisted, with consequences that were disastrous for many of our young people.
In September of 2005, Summit High School, a non-residential, public high school, opened its doors in Santa Barbara, serving students who have completed a treatment program and are committed to their sobriety. It provides a quality education in a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment.
Summit High School is based on a nationally recognized model in Minnesota and is being used in many states in the East and Midwest. It is part of a national association of high schools and colleges with programs that support students in recovery. The program is a partnership among the Santa Barbara County Education Office, the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Treatment Center, and local school districts.
The need for this school is well documented. According to the most recent figures available from the Santa Barbara County Children’s Scorecard, more than 1,700 youths are in treatment.
Enrollment at Summit High School is open so that students can enter at any time during the school year. A summer program is also offered. A rigorous and innovative curriculum is accompanied by counseling and support services and a highly skilled teaching staff.
Many people in our community have direct contact with a child who is struggling with substance abuse and addiction right now — either in their own family, or in a family they know. Summit High School’s success counts on those who get involved when a problem exists and provide information to help.
More information about Summit High School is available by calling 450-6811. A decision to share this information with a family in need could have a major impact and even save the life of a young person in our community.