Youth 2 Youth Members Find Sober Fun in Karaoke

About 20 Pelham teens ventured to Spring Asian Cuisine in Mount Vernon on Saturday night to sing karaoke, hang out with friends, eat dinner—but not drink alcohol.

In an effort to deter Pelham teens from abusing alcohol and drugs, Youth 2 Youth— a collaboration between and PACT--offers its local students fun and engaging activities and the chance to help organize them. The events range from climbing at the to open mic nights at .

“What we hear from kids in the Pelham neighborhood is that a lot of kids are going to parties, they’re drinking,” remarked Rosie Martinez, Youth 2 Youth coordinator. “A lot of kids feel pressured…But we want to show that there are other alternatives to come together and have a good time.”

Those who participated in Saturday night’s event each paid $18 for dinner and the chance to show off their best Mary J. Blige and Grease renditions.

“We’re here singing out lungs out and we’re having so much fun, it’s ridiculous,” said Pelham Memorial High School senior Paige Okotieuro.

This month continues to be a busy one for the organization as it gears up for livechat 2011, a for about 100 PMHS students, selected at random.  This all-day event on March 16 enables participates to break into discussion groups with peers and facilitators. They'll be talking about what it means to be a 21st Century student, and the of stresses substance abuse and bullying that often come along with the territory.

Patch will be covering that event too, so check back for our stories on the latest happenings with PACT and Youth 2 Youth.