Proud to be a part of SADD

Members of the new SADD chapter at Northeast Vernon County High School are, in no particular order, Terri Scougal, Jordan Moyer, Shelby Wilkins, J.T. Kitsmiller, Eric Adkins, Taylor Ast, Sabrina Fox, Cameo Longstreth, Spencer Hoagland, Crystal Bogardus, Joshua Bachand, Layne Rapp, Tucker Unruh, Clayton Gray, Drue Hoagland, Forest Mitchem, Michael Weisensee and Grant Davis. -- submitted photo

Students at Northeast Vernon County R-I High School have joined Students Against Destructive Decisions, a peer leadership organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, teen violence and suicide. NEVC's Team Spirit students (Taylor Ast, Josh Bachand, Tucker Unruh, Crystal Bogardus, Grant Davis, Spencer Hoagland and Jordan Moyer) became interested in forming a SADD chapter, so they enlisted the help of teachers Laurie Bybee and Gina Naas, who will serve as the SADD advisors.

Teens sometimes make poor choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol, without realizing the harmful consequences. This SADD chapter hopes to become a positive influence on its school and community. They will be participating in campaigns and activities throughout the school year to spread their message.

The SADD students are hoping to find more classmates to join them in their efforts. The first meeting was held Wednesday, Nov. 4, with 17 students in attendance. The group would like to sponsor at least one activity per month including SADD Olympics, a lock-in, activities following home basketball games and a dance. The new group is also exploring ways to get support and funding from the community.

Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Massachusetts, 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 1997, 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.