Peterson Empowers Peers Through TNP Teens Club Leadership

Starting high school, Rylie Peterson wanted to make a difference amongst her peers in the fight against substance abuse and advocating for mental health. Joining the TNP Teen Club at Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk provided her a great opportunity to educate and support her peers. 

Rylie, a junior at P-TECH, now serves as the president of the TNP Teen Club, formerly known as Norwalk Strong, for the Norwalk High School campus. TNP Teens are one of the youth initiatives of The Norwalk Partnership, a coalition dedicated to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental wellness among young people in Norwalk.

“I like to be someone who can educate others,” said Rylie, a junior at P-TECH who is the president of the TNP Teen Club for the Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk chapter.

The club is active at both Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk and Brien McMahon High School/Center for Global Studies, where it is led by student president Vivian Balazs, a junior at CGS.

As president of TNP Teens, Rylie’s leadership extends beyond the school. She has a paid internship with Positive Directions, a non-profit behavioral health organization, where she is gaining hands-on experience in prevention, counseling and recovery supports.

Rylie’s work also involves attending community meetings, collaborating with local organizations, and undergoing peer support and suicide prevention training. She then shares this critical knowledge with her fellow students, ensuring they are equipped with the tools to help themselves and others.

Rylie also attends many community meetings to learn more about how local organizations and law enforcement are taking action on preventing substance abuse. She undergoes training for peer support and suicide prevention then brings that knowledge back to her school to help fellow students. She also provides that training to other members of the club.

In addition to educational initiatives, TNP Teens organizes Teen Nights Out, a series of fun, substance-free events designed to provide high school students with safe and engaging weekend activities. This initiative, supported by The Norwalk Partnership and funded by the City of Norwalk, helps create positive social experiences while reinforcing the club’s core message of healthy living and mental well-being.

Through her work with TNP Teens, Rylie is not only educating her peers but also inspiring them to take an active role in their own well-being. The club continues to grow, offering students an opportunity to be part of a movement that prioritizes prevention, support, and empowerment.

For more information about TNP Teens and upcoming events, visit The Norwalk Partnership’s website or follow their social media channels.

Instagram: @thenorwalkpartnership

Facebook: The Norwalk Partnership