Michael Valdes Foundation

10/13/2025

NOPE Hillsborough was honored to appear this morning with host Jennifer Epstein on FOX 13's "Good Day, Tampa Bay". Michele Phillips, NOPE Hillsborough's first Chapter President, and Cathy Valdes, NOPE Hillsborough's current Chapter President were getting the word out about NOPE's 13th Candlelight Vigil, coming up Thursday, October 16, 6pm wall viewing and 7pm program, at Hillsborough High School. The annual vigil is a community awareness event, educating about the disease of addiction and overdose in our community, and one that remembers and honors those loved ones lost to overdose. Much gratitude to FOX 13's Jennifer Epstein, who will be serving as the emcee for this memorable vigil.

See the interview video clip at: https://www.fox13news.com/video/1723232

Be a positive force! Join community leaders and others passionate about saving lives, as we work together to reduce overdose deaths in our community.

10/04/2025

Such a memorable morning!

Thursday marked a poignant day of remembrance for Cathy Valdes , the current Chapter President of NOPE Hillsborough and the moderator of NOPE student presentations. NOPE delivered a powerful presentation to juniors at Wharton High School, the alma mater of her son, Michael. The students showed profound respect and reverence throughout the 50-minute session, which included heartfelt references to Michael and his tragic overdose from prescription pills. Family Speaker @ shared an emotional account of her son Nick’s overdose from he**in laced with fentanyl, which resonated deeply with the audience.

The message was delivered with urgency, prompting students to reflect on the reality that an overdose could affect anyone, just as it did for Michael, Nick, Brandon, Sierra, Drew, and countless others featured on our 38 photo boards.

Deputy Carpenter stepped in to present the Law Enforcement Officer script, delivering it exceptionally well despite having limited time to prepare, and only filling in for the regularly assigned school resource deputy.

Collectively, every element combined to create a memorable presentation about the stark dangers of substance use and overdose.

We extend our gratitude to volunteers and Gary Sparkman (Michael's aunt and uncle), (NOPE founding board member), and Mike Fooshee (Nick’s dad ). So many compassionate individuals come together to make this impactful life-saving message possible.

10/04/2025

Thursday marked a poignant day of remembrance for Cathy Valdes , the current Chapter President of NOPE Hillsborough and the moderator of NOPE student presentations. NOPE delivered a powerful presentation to juniors at Wharton High School, the alma mater of her son, Michael. The students showed profound respect and reverence throughout the 50-minute session, which included heartfelt references to Michael and his tragic overdose from prescription pills. Family Speaker @ shared an emotional account of her son Nick’s overdose from he**in laced with fentanyl, which resonated deeply with the audience.

The message was delivered with urgency, prompting students to reflect on the reality that an overdose could affect anyone, just as it did for Michael, Nick, Brandon, Sierra, Drew, and countless others featured on our 38 photo boards.

Deputy Carpenter stepped in to present the Law Enforcement Officer script, delivering it exceptionally well despite having limited time to prepare, and only filling in for the regularly assigned school resource deputy.

Collectively, every element combined to create a memorable presentation about the stark dangers of substance use and overdose.

We extend our gratitude to volunteers and Gary Sparkman (Michael's aunt and uncle), (NOPE founding board member), and Mike Fooshee (Nick’s dad ). So many compassionate individuals come together to make this impactful life-saving message possible.

09/15/2025

Visit the Columbia and vote for NOPE Hillsborough!

Experience the taste of giving back! During the month of September, savor the culinary excellence of any of the @1905 Columbia Restaurants and witness your dining transcend into a heartwarming act of philanthropy. For every meal you enjoy, the Gonzmart's will be contributing 5% of your bill to NOPE. Join us this month and know that each bite can become a beacon of hope.

07/24/2025

The NOPE Hillsborough Candle Light Vigil is a free community event held in memory of those who have lost their lives to a substance-related death and in honor of the survivors who carry their memories forward every day.

This annual vigil brings together:

• A community of friends and support
• NOPE partners
• Local leaders committed to change

Location: Hillsborough High School
6 PM Wall of Remembrance Viewing
7 PM Program Begins

Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of remembrance, healing, and hope.

Together, we honor those we have lost, support those still struggling, and raise awareness for a safer future.

07/08/2025

NOPE Hillsborough presented to Y Teens from the Springs Springs YMCA. The students have been enjoying many activities and presentations during their summer experience at University of South Florida.

Family speaker Rathmell Carathanasis shared the heart-breaking story of her son Drew's substance use and death. When she read two notes Drew had written to his counselor prior to his death, you could feel the impact on the audience. Drew wrote that he wished he could have a second chance at life and also that he would tell others how not to live their life. Tracy is bringing Drew's message for him, every time she speaks.

Shout out to moderator Cathy Valdes, NOPE board member , and the many student helpers who assisted in making this presentation possible. Also, special thanks to for inviting NOPE Hillsborough to present our life-saving message to these awesome students.

05/30/2025

We are proud to announce the completion of our 2025 scholarship awards, recognizing 12 outstanding high school seniors from across Hillsborough County. Each recipient was selected for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

These students represent the next generation of changemakers. Their voices carry strength and purpose, and their actions are already making a difference. Whether through peer leadership, community service, or advocacy for mental health and substance abuse prevention, these students are setting a powerful example for their peers and paving the way for safer, healthier communities.

Thanks to the continued support of partners like The Michael Valdes Foundation, Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, and our local families who honor loved ones through memorial scholarships.

We are investing in a future led by young people determined to uplift those around them.

Congratulations to all the recipients. Your dedication inspires us, and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

05/17/2025

Our final scholarship for the 2025 awards was awarded to an incredibly deserving senior from Tampa Bay Technical High School, Makana Salim-Uesi, thanks to the generous support of the Cooper family. Sandy and Shelby Cooper were present to present the $1,000 check to Makana in memory of their son and brother, Ryan Stevenson Cooper.

Makana is graduating with an impressive weighted GPA of 8.4 and will attend the University of Florida this fall to study environmental architecture and historic preservation.

During her high school years, Makana was a National Merit Scholar finalist and received numerous prestigious awards in architecture and engineering. In 2024, she was honored with the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award.

This exceptional student understands the dangers of substance abuse and recognizes the importance of positive support systems for those who are tempted to self-medicate in stressful situations, which can lead to overdose, death, or lifelong dependency and addiction.

In her essay, Makana expressed, “The NOPE presentation made a positive impact on my life because I can relate to the victims and their families... Junior year was extremely stressful and emotional for me. Fortunately, I leaned on my family, my faith, and trusted adults for assistance.”

Makana's empathy will greatly benefit her as she transitions to college and builds new relationships. She commits to carrying NOPE’s messages forward as she embarks on her college journey and vows to stay focused on her educational goals to create a positive impact in her community.

Congratulations, Makana! You are sure to make a difference!

05/15/2025

It was an honor to present a NOPE scholarship to Ethan Murphy, a graduating senior from Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, funded by the Michael Valdes Foundation in memory of Michael Valdes.

Ethan is an exceptional student, excelling in both academics and athletics. He has an impressive GPA of 5.8 weighted and 3.92 unweighted, and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. He plans to attend Florida College this fall.

As a natural leader, Ethan serves as the President of the Science National Honor Society, is a Student Ambassador, a member of Student Government, and the varsity captain of the boys' weightlifting team.

Ethan will utilize his leadership abilities to promote the NOPE message as he transitions to college. In his essay, he stated: “As I prepare for my academic future, I am dedicated to carrying forward the critical messages of the NOPE presentation by actively engaging in peer education, promoting mental health awareness, and creating supportive environments that help prevent substance abuse.”

Congratulations, Ethan! The future is bright for you.

05/12/2025

We were delighted to present another NOPE scholarship to the exceptional Alonso High senior, Lexi Spirides. This award was generously funded by and Dennis Butler in memory of son, Mitchell Menes, a graduate of Alonso High School. Despite relocating to North Carolina, the Butlers considered this recognition so significant that they flew in to personally present the award to Lexi!

Lexi boasts an impressive GPA of 4.0 (unweighted) and 6.1 (weighted) and will be attending the University of Florida this fall.

She has been actively involved in several prestigious clubs at Alonso High School, including the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Rho Kappa, and the Environmental Club. Additionally, Lexi has volunteered at the Humane Society of Pinellas and served on the local Girl Scouts advisory board.

As a talented athlete, Lexi has played on the Varsity Basketball team at Alonso and holds a first-degree black belt recognized by the Taekwondo Association.

We are confident that Lexi will carry NOPE’s message as she embarks on her college journey. She states, “I will make sure to surround myself with people who would never do drugs and who would never pressure me to do drugs. But I know that if I see someone I know struggling with addiction, I will help them, regardless of our friendship status. Everyone deserves the most out of life.”

Congratulations and best wishes for your future, Lexi!