Los Gatos, January 23, 2023: The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD) is proud to announce that Saratoga High School Junior Ryan Lin was selected as the National Family Partnership's 12th Annual National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest winner for multi-state Region 5, winning an Apple iPad and a $1,000 donation made to Saratoga High School in support of drug-free prevention education. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Field Officer Brandon Burkhart delivered the iPad and the check to Ryan and Principal Greg Louie on Friday, January 20, 2023.
A member of the Peer Advocate Advisory Council (PAAC) with the Santa Clara County Office of Education, Ryan has been working to educate peers and his community for the past seven years. Ryan shares, “I have been volunteering at a local drug rehabilitation center, Operation Dawn, for 7 years. I have written interview articles for past residents and witnessed the far-reaching impact of drug addiction on individuals, as well as their family members.” Ryan’s message in his photo is “Celebrate recovery and remember the warriors who lost their battle with addiction.”
At Saratoga High School, Ryan has worked with Principal Greg Louie on school-wide projects for drug awareness and prevention, and is committed to reminding students of the importance of positive choices. Additionally, Ryan founded Outreach Initiatives, a student group created to “be socially responsible and bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse, foster leadership skills at all levels, unite the student community through local events, and support under-looked communities.”
“Ryan’s win, dedication, and initiative goes hand in hand with the education and prevention opportunities the district continues to share with parents,” shared Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson. “From our Fentanyl Awareness events last semester to our Prevention of Underage Drinking workshop on February 1st, we are committed to promoting healthy and safe choices to our students.”