DEA honors Tempe Union students, presents $3,000 to 'No Second Chance' campaign

Special Agent in Charge Sherry Oz of the Drug Enforcement Administration told the Tempe Union High School District governing board that the district’s No Second Chance student campaign was selected as one of two national winners of the DEA’s 2023 drug prevention awards.

"We are facing a threat like we've never seen before in fentanyl," Oz said, praising the students’ peer-to-peer campaign as “effective and empowering” and saying it is “saving lives.” Oz announced a $3,000 award to support the students’ local prevention work, presented a plaque and read a letter from DEA Administrator Anne Milgram.

Sherry Dukes, a Tempe Union parent and advocate whose son Ethan died of a fentanyl-related overdose, was introduced by Oz and acknowledged for helping connect DEA outreach to the district’s students. "Sherry has been working tirelessly to help save lives," Oz said.

Acting Superintendent Dr. Wilson thanked the DEA and the students and said the district is “super excited” about the recognition. The board offered its congratulations to the students and staff involved in the No Second Chance campaign.

The DEA presentation was part of the superintendent’s report; no board action was required on the award itself.