APRIL 2025 NEWSLETTER
- Antonio Tsialas Foundation
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Compassionate Celebrations Redefined
Celebrations provide an opportunity to express gratitude to the various people in our lives. Having a pleasant time with friends is one of life’s treasures and can create memories that last a lifetime.
Honoring students at the end of the school year is an opportunity to recognize achievements and progress earned. These annual observances bring individuals together, strengthen friendships, and are often the most enjoyable time of the year.
As compassionate leaders, we love a good time and seek out uplifting and inclusive celebrations. However, when choosing how to participate in celebrations, we need to be mindful of our own values and personal boundaries.
Oftentimes year-end parties can be ruined by dangerous or illegal behaviors. Taking time to reflect on your limits and beliefs before heading to a party can help you remain true to yourself even if those around you behave in ways that are uncomfortable for you.
You always have the choice to follow your heart and partake in celebrations with kindness, empathy, and respect.
Choose celebrations that bring you joy
Understand and respect personal boundaries both for yourself and others
Make safe and conscious choices that consider the well-being of everyone involved
Avoid risky conduct that can detract from the joy and meaning of the celebration
Remember It's always okay to say no to dangerous behavior or any activities that are inconsistent with your values
Keep an eye out for your friends to ensure everyone’s safety
Be aware of laws and policies (i.e. Medical Amnesty Policies, MAPs) that protect you when seeking help for yourself or a friend, even if illegal behavior, like underage drinking, is involved. It is vitally essential to seek help if you see someone in danger
Do not, under any circumstances, drive or get in the car with someone who is under the influence. Download ride share apps on your phone or call someone for a ride.
Celebrate your achievements, friendships, accomplishments, and the exciting future ahead. You can make safe, thoughtful choices and still have a blast with your friends!
Together we say yes to life!
ATLF Ambassadors Corner
Since joining the Antonio Tsialas Leadership Foundation, I have gained new insights about the impact of being a true leader, which has opened my eyes to the power of compassionate leadership. The ambassador meetings, which focus not on abstract ideas but rather practical applications, have taught me the value of this trait, that I apply to all aspects of my life, including school, sports, and friendships.
During one particular session on the CLEARING model, we explored the nuances of responsibility, which resonated deeply and gave me tangible tools for guiding teams effectively. The ATLF community has been invaluable, providing me with a network of like-minded individuals who continuously inspire and challenge me to be a more thoughtful and impactful leader.
In February, I was fortunate for the opportunity to help coordinate a presentation at Westminster Christian School. It was powerful to witness how a single presentation shifted people's perspectives. I am excited for future meetings at my school, knowing how enriching they will be to others, just as they have been to me.
-Camila Sandoval, ATLF Ambassador
ATLF Collaborators Corner
The Antonio Tsialas Leadership Foundation’s CLEARING model emphasizes collaboration to create cohesive groups without hazing. The Gordie Center’s collaboration with Antonio’s family began shortly after his death when I connected with Flavia and John to offer support in their grief. We spoke often about who Antonio was, the work of the Gordie Center, and how Antonio’s family could shift student cultures away from hazing.
Our conversations led to a strong collaborative partnership. We co-created a video highlighting the signs of healthy and unhealthy organizations and made it available for free online. I present a module on alcohol and hazing to each ATLF high school Ambassador cohort. Flavia presented a session on preventing hazing through compassionate leadership at the Gordie Center’s NCAA Division II APPLE Training Institute. Flavia shares Antonio’s story in our new film project, HAZED: Shattered Trust.
Getting to know Flavia and her family over the last five years has been so special. Flavia’s thoughtful and generous approach to life inspires me and informs how I think about hazing prevention and my work with families impacted by hazing. I am a donor invested in ATLF’s mission, and my daughter participated in the Ambassador program last year!
The Gordie Center is honored to partner with ATLF to share lifesaving education with young leaders, creating safer, more supportive experiences for all students.
Jill Maurer
Assistant Director, Gordie Center
University of Virginia
MARCH EVENTS
Empowered to Prevent Hazing:
Understanding the Influence of Alcohol and Group Culture
Thank you to Jill Maurer from the Gordie Center at UVA for her impactful presentation, “Understanding the Influence of Alcohol and Group Culture.” We also thank our ambassadors for actively participating in the discussion and everyone who joined us to recognize the prevalence of alcohol in the hazing dynamic. Your commitment to lead with compassion is inspiring.
Preventing Hazing by CLEARING the way to Compassionate Leadership
We are grateful to Ms. Lori Czerenda at NSU University School Middle for inviting us to share Antonio’s life and legacy and inspire students to be compassionate leaders. Thanks also to the administrative and IT team for their warm welcome.
Spending time with the entire student body was truly special. Their reflections fill us with hope for the future and remind us of the importance of our work.
ATLF Spring Garage Sale
Our biannual garage sale turned clutter into compassion. Together we raised funds for ATLF leadership programs and scholarships, deepened our commitment to end hazing and donated the remaining unsold items to other nonprofits.
Many thanks to our ATLF ambassadors, board members, families, friends, and neighbors for their time, generosity and support.
Moving forward together: Celebrating the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act
Families of hazing victims and hazing prevention advocates gathered in Washington, D.C. with lawmakers, Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Representative Lucy McBath (GA) to celebrate the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act. We were honored to contribute to this united effort together with remarkable congressmen, families, educators, researchers and advocates in support of this important legislation for the safety and wellbeing of all our children.
"I have never seen legislation before where the families made a bigger difference... turning your grief into action," said Senator Amy Klobuchar.
"As a mother who lost her child to violence, I want to thank you for your commitment. Thank you, thank you for never giving up, pounding on our doors, for showing up. It has made a difference," said Representative Lucy McBath.
CLEARING The Way to Compassionate Communication
On March 20, 2025, two of our amazing ambassadors, Christopher and Garrett, guided Ransom Everglades Sophomores through a module on compassionate communication. They helped the students build meaningful connections and foster a supportive community.
Thank you to Mr. Adatto, Mrs. Perez-Gonzalez, and the advisory team for their support.
Compassionate Leaders Make Space to Inspire Change
We were grateful to participate in the Ransom Everglades Student Leadership Conference again this year. More than 150 student leaders engaged in powerful conversations and considered ways to create inclusive and vibrant clubs.
It was a truly amazing collaborative effort with Mrs. Miller, Dr. King, and the RE community! We send special thanks to our super ATLF ambassadors, Christopher and Lola, who led these sessions.
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