West Islip students give important message

Shortly after the death of Saturday Night Live comedian Chris Farley at the age of 33, his family made plans for a foundation in his name to help educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse. Sharing in the deep grief felt by his relatives, Farley’s friends soon joined the effort to raise awareness among students in high schools and colleges, where the drinking and pot first became a part of the funny man’s life.

Recently the Farley road trip to inspire young people "to think, laugh and live" responsibly - the foundation’s motto - arrived at West Islip High School where 900 students viewed a video showing snippets of Farley’s work, which allowed his personality to fill the auditorium. The film clips were of SNL, the David Letterman Show, Tom Arnold’s wedding where Chris made a toast and clips from some of his movies. But after the laughter, shared by all in the audience, came the seriousness.

When the big-hearted comedian joined SNL in 1990, he worked with Phil Hartman Kevin Nealon, Adam Sandler and David Spade portraying outrageous characters: motivational speaker Matt Foley, an auditioning Chippendales dancer, one of the GAP girls and an enthusiastic football fan. At that time, Farley appeared to have everything going for him: a loving and supportive family, a bright future in television and films, millions of fans who loved his work, and his whole life in front of him.

But instead of the world remaining rosy, it turned gray, and eventually dark as his occasional indulgences with drugs - first with pot, then cocaine and heroin - escalated out of control. Realizing he was in trouble, he entered rehabilitation centers again and again, 17 times in all, until his body couldn’t take it anymore.

The students of West Islip heard Chris’ brother, Tom, talk about substance abuse escalation. "With hindsight," he told the attentive audience, "I realized that once the decision is made to do something illegal, like smoking pot, then everything illegal seems to be in your ballpark. Eventually, the drugs and alcohol robbed my brother of his talent. Then it killed him. I don’t want that to happen to you. Young people today are faced with wicked stuff out there," he told the teenagers.

The students, who had entered the assembly laughing and eager to see a film on Chris Farley, filed out solemnly. The message had been delivered.

Senior Jamie Zeitler commented, "I thought it was very powerful. What Chris’ brother said is true: peer pressure does matter. He also made strong statements that I hope no one forgets, particularly that Chris had tired heroin only once - which he later referred to as "the devil" and became hooked.

YES (Youth Enrichment Services) joined The Children’s Commission in bringing the Chris Farley Foundation to Islip Township for two days of talks. Executive Director Maryann Pfeiffer explained to Board of Education trustees and administrators that the foundation’s success required involvement from communities. "Chris was a great communicator and through his humor, he related easily to young people. That’s why the kids are listening today."

Information on the Chris Farley Foundation can be found at www.chrisfarleyfoundation.com.

In the photo, Tom Farley, center in dark sweater, brought The Chris Farley Foundation to West Islip high School and St. John the Baptist High School, also in West Islip. He is pictured with, left to right, YES Executive Director Maryann Pfeiffle, West Islip High School Associate Principal Ellen Quaglio and Principal Ken Hartill, Superintendent of School D.r Beth Virginia Blau and Dean of Students Joann Hilbert.