Photo by Gretchen Ertl & Christine Hochkeppel
In the last month, the Holliston Youth Action Team went to the Massachusetts State House twice to speak with legislators, sharing their lived experience with nicotine and alcohol and their ideas about the changes needed. The Holliston Youth Action Team (YAT) is a group of High School student leaders committed to reducing youth substance use and advocating for healthier communities. Formed through the Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC), the YAT empowers students to take action on real public health issues by educating peers, engaging with policymakers, and promoting prevention strategies. Through hands-on advocacy, these students are not only learning about substance misuse, they are actively working to prevent it.
On March 18, 2026, eight members of the YAT traveled to the Massachusetts State House to participate in ENUFF Day: “Ending Nicotine Use for the Future.” ENUFF Day is The 84 Movement’s annual Youth Day of Action, bringing together over 200 young people from across the state to raise awareness about the dangers of nicotine and the tactics used by the tobacco and vaping industries. The event includes meetings with legislators, a youth-led rally, and a statewide awards ceremony celebrating youth advocacy.
During ENUFF Day, the YAT students met with Senate President Karen Spilka’s staff, where they shared personal stories, data, and advocated for stronger protections against nicotine and tobacco use among youth. For some students, this was their first experience inside the State House and their first opportunity to speak directly with policymakers. Through these conversations, they highlighted the real-world impact of nicotine addiction on families and communities.
One student shared the emotional toll addiction can take, explaining how watching a loved one struggle “made me mad… for others who have to watch a family member go through addiction, just like I did.” Another emphasized how normalized nicotine use has become among teens, describing how “every student… has interacted with nicotine in some way, directly or indirectly.” These lived experiences brought urgency and authenticity to their conversations with legislators.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of Holliston’s very own Max Collins, who received the 2026 Statewide Youth Leadership Award. This award honors a member of The 84 Movement who demonstrates exceptional dedication to reducing youth nicotine use and promoting positive social norms. Senate President Spilka joined her staff’s meeting with the YAT to present the award to Max after the group completed their comments.
Later that afternoon, Max was recognized in front of all the 84 Movement chapters for his years of advocacy, leadership within HDAAC, and commitment to creating change in his community. As described during the award presentation, Max has been “the foundation of our youth work in Holliston,” exemplifying leadership through connection, persistence, and a strong sense of purpose.
In their acceptance speech, Max reflected on what drives their work: “I stand here because of hope.” He spoke about believing in a better future and the role youth play in shaping it, adding, “You cannot make change without first believing that change can be made.” His message resonated throughout the room, reminding fellow youth advocates that their voices, and their persistence, matter.
Photos by Gretchen Ertl & Christine Hochkeppel
Just two weeks later, on April 1st, seven members of the YAT returned to the State House! This time to advocate for an increase in the Massachusetts Alcohol Excise Tax. This proposal aims to raise the tax on alcohol, which hasn’t been done since 1980, by 10 cents per drink and invest the revenue into public health initiatives such as substance use prevention, mental health services, and community programs.
The need for this policy is rooted in significant public health concerns. In Massachusetts, alcohol is responsible for 1 in 20 deaths each year and is the most commonly used substance among high school students. Additionally, alcohol use is linked to motor vehicle crashes, chronic diseases such as cancer, and academic challenges for youth. These realities underscore why prevention-focused policies, like the alcohol excise tax, are critical.
During the Alcohol Excise Tax Advocacy Day, our YAT students met with Representative James Arena-DeRosa’s staff and Senate President Karen Spilka herself, along with six of her staff members! Students spoke powerfully about how alcohol has impacted their lives. One student recalled a frightening experience riding in a car with a parent who had been drinking, sharing that “three beers could’ve been all it took to erase my life, my hopes, and my future.” Another spoke about family struggles with addiction, describing it as “a constant and brutal battle that you can never truly get out of.”
Students also highlighted how alcohol affects broader communities. One advocate pointed out that even in a town with lower-than-average use rates, alcohol remains “the number one substance among high schoolers… that could fall victim to addiction and alcohol’s consequences.” These stories reinforced that behind every statistic are real people, families, and futures at risk.
The students’ advocacy efforts were grounded not only in data, but in lived experience. By combining personal narratives with evidence-based policy solutions, they were able to communicate a powerful message: that prevention matters, and that youth deserve a voice in shaping policies that affect their health and future.
HDAAC would like to thank both Senator Spilka and Representative Arena-DeRosa and their staffs for listening to our powerful young people. We are incredibly proud of the Youth Action Team for their dedication, courage, and leadership. These students have demonstrated what meaningful youth advocacy looks like and are creating real change. Their efforts at the State House serve as a reminder that when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they can shape healthier, safer futures for everyone.