WCHS students form peer leadership group

Warren County High School’s Aspire Team is SADD, but in a glad way. Through their efforts, they are sponsoring Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Students at WCHS have joined SADD, a peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, and teen violence and suicide.

Aspire member Denzell Robinson became interested in forming a SADD chapter, so he enlisted the help of Aspire sponsors Lynn Seals and Kathy Ewton.

‘Teens sometimes make poor choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol, without realizing the harmful consequences,’ said Denzell. ‘I’m hoping our SADD chapter will be a positive influence on our school and community. We’ll be participating in campaigns and activities throughout the school year to spread our message.’

SADD students, consisting of the 15 Aspire members, are hoping to find more classmates to join them in their efforts. The new group is also exploring ways to get support and funding from the community.

Aspire’s efforts received the attention of District Attorney Lisa Zavogiannis. After reading about the group’s efforts to begin SADD, among their other awareness-raising activities, she sent a letter commending the group for its dedication to its school and the community.

Attention turned to support when she collected and presented SADD with $234 from Sparta Motors to help get the program going.

‘We needed manuals, T-shirts, membership cards and posters to get started,’ said Lynn Seals. ‘Thanks to her donation and others, SADD members received all of these.’

More than the donation, Aspire members received words of encouragement when Zavogiannis referred to their dedication as a ‘breath of fresh air’ during the check presentation.

‘We appreciate her support so much,’ said Seals. ‘She really appreciates what they are doing and she said she wants to be a part of this. She called us a breath of fresh air as far as making a change. I was impressed and the kids loved it.’

Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny recently donated $500 to the Aspire Team after hearing about their work to educate and protect their fellow students from the dangers of illegal drug use. The money will be used to promote their anti-drug program in Warren County High School with programs like SADD.

The students feel they are so fortunate to belong to a county where the community believes that students can make a difference in reducing drug and alcohol abuse among their peers said Seals.

In the near future SADD will be organizing Prom Promise at WCHS. In the tradition of SADD, they will be encouraging fellow students to celebrate their prom without drinking. Unlike those over 21, which are encouraged to choose a designated driver, drinking under 21 is illegal.

Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Mass., SADD has grown to become the nation’s premier peer-led youth education and prevention organization, with 10,000 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. In response to requests from SADD students themselves, SADD expanded its mission and now sponsors chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions.

More information about SADD is available at www.sadd.org.

For more information about the local SADD or make a donation, contact SADD advisors Seals or Ewton at 668-5858 ext. 268.