Guest speaker opens eyes to reality of growing opioid epidemic

By Jordan Flusser ’19

Maryann Miller, teacher and Pennsylvania resident, spoke to students and shared her personal story relating to the growing opioid crisis on Nov. 3 during several physical education classes. Miller’s sister, Laura, became addicted to heroin just after college, and despite attempting recovery the drug ultimately took her life.

Miller hoped to share her story, she said, in order to emphasize that drug addiction can happen to anyone and to not be ashamed to ask for help.

“Drugs do not discriminate,” Miller said.

This was Miller’s first time speaking in front of an audience about her experience of dealing with her sister’s heroin addiction. She played lacrosse at Hofstra University and was a teammate of physical education teacher and coach Bettina Plesnitzer, who asked Miller to speak to the students.  Both students and teachers listened attentively and all eyes were glued to Miller.

“It’s never easy to call your best friend and ask her to come publicly speak about such a difficult topic,” Ms. Plesnitzer said. “Her perseverance, positive mindset and strong support from family and friends have given her the strength to overcome her tragic loss.”

Miller opened with a description of her sister’s life and accomplishments. Laura Miller graduated high school at the top of her class and was recruited to play D1 lacrosse where she thrived as an All American and captain, aspirations many of the students in the room dreamed of. In addition to her athletic talent, she was a musician of 12 years and a practitioner of photography.

Students said hearing about her life was eye-opening and felt Miller had a strong impact on their views of opioid addictions.

“I think she really conveyed a powerful message to everyone in the room and it was very interesting to hear about drug abuse from a first-hand perspective,” junior Cameron Marino said. “It made us realize that this could happen to anyone.”

“We all hear about the effects of heroin but when it comes from someone who had an amazing life and accomplishments you realize how real this is,” junior Ellie Decker said.

While she was speaking, Miller had the audience close their eyes and think of three people that love and care about them. When asked what advice she would give to someone struggling, Miller said she would let the person know that there is help available and they should not hesitate to ask for this help.

“Maryann is a gifted educator with a powerful message, spreading awareness on the importance of mental health and opioid abuse,” Ms. Plesnitzer said. “I am so grateful that Maryann was able and willing to share her story with our students.”