News Archive
Taylor's Message Makes an Impact
On Wednesday, October 18, we held one of our more impactful Awareness Day presentations about the dangers of teen drug and alcohol use. Kathi Meyer Sullivan came to Xaverian to speak about the death of her teenage daughter, Taylor.
Taylor Meyer was 17 years old when she went with her friends from Plainville to party in the woods. She was found three days later, having drowned in two feet of water. It was a teenage night of fun gone horribly wrong because of alcohol and binge drinking…every parents’ nightmare. That’s why her mother, Kathi Meyer Sullivan, has made it her mission to tell Taylor’s story to teens, and help them see the potentially life altering consequences of their decisions regarding alcohol and drug use.
Kathi and her husband Chris shared their stories with Xaverian during our Awareness Day presentation on October 18. Kathi talked frankly with the students about Taylor and spoke about the impact of her death on family, friends, and the community. Chris, a former NFL player who let drugs and alcohol take over his life in his battle against anxiety, emphasized the importance of making the right decisions and being strong enough to ask for help.
PARENTS: Here are a few websites which we think you may find helpful as you consider how best to talk about drugs and alcohol with your son. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has a very approachable, age-appropriate website for middle school boys. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers valuable information on signs to watch out for in your teen, as well as how to talk to your son about these issues (whether in middle school or high school).
Tips for Parents to Address Teen Drug and Alcohol Use:
- Role model the behaviors you expect to see in your son.
- Frequently discuss your values and expectations; set clear boundaries and define the consequences. Then, be sure to hold your son accountable if he violates your expectations.
- Prepare your son for how to respond in the event that he finds himself in a situation where drugs and/or alcohol are being offered. Role play with him what he needs to do to keep himself and his friends safe.
- If you suspect that there is an ongoing issue with your son, reach out to your son’s counselor at Xaverian, as we will connect you with resources that can help.
- Remind your son that you always have his best interest at heart. He needs to understand that while you will be upset if he makes a mistake, you nonetheless need to know about it as his parent, and that your love and care for him is unconditional.
"We’ll continue to help steer your son down the right path. We can’t make the choices for him; but with your help and with God’s grace, we’ll do our best to make sure he’s prepared."
-Headmaster, Brother Daniel Skala, C.F.X., Ph.D., and Principal, Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, from the "This Week at Xaverian" message dated October 20, 2017
Xaverian Brothers High School
Phone: 781-326-6392
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Fax: 781-320-0458
Directions | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
EIN (Tax ID Number): 04-2314036
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.
