Schools

Miss Michigan Shares Anti-Drug Message with Wyandotte Students

In the wake of a relative's death, Angela Venditti has focused her platform on reaching young people.

Having volunteered with anti-drug causes since she was 14 years old, Angela Venditti said a family tragedy struck her especially hard at age 20.

Her close friend and cousin, Natalie, died of a heroin overdose in 2008.

And now as the reigning Miss Michigan 2012, who previously was Miss St. Clair Shores, Venditti is sharing her personal story in hopes of reaching other young people.

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While her focus is on prevention, the 24-year-old said she tailors her talk depending on the age of her audience.

"With the younger kids, it's about working on decision-making skills and things like that," she said. "With an older group, it's possible they may have already tried or are maybe using drugs or alcohol. With an older group, my message is it's never too late to start over and good things can come to your life from living a clean lifestyle."

Find out what's happening in St. Clair Shoreswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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