SADD raises awareness for teenage abuse of drugs and alcohol
Painting the town RED
Sophomores Lizzy Konopelski and Paige Knittle decorate for Red Ribbon Week, the week of Oct. 26. SADD members planned the week with the help of National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse representative, Lori Krueger.
SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, is a club started by Michelle Li, sophomore, that spreads messages about teenage drug abuse and mental health to the school and community.
Li started the club last year after she learned about similar programs at other high schools through the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (NCADA).
“At the end of eighth grade, I got an application form for a leadership conference over the summer led by the NCADA,” Li said. “I went, and it gave me an idea to start something at school.”
The club’s goal is to educate and impact teenagers’ decisions and they hope to win the Gold Award for the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which is awarded to groups who accumulate more than 1,000 service hours.
This year, the club will focus more on teenager’s mental health and other issues that lead to the abuse of alcohol and drugs. Preethi Sriraman, sophomore, is a member of SADD and helped start the discussion.
“What a lot of people don’t realize is the prevalence of mental illnesses that lead to destructive decisions,” Sriraman said. “It’s really important to bring up in a club that is dedicated to that.”
Sriraman joined the club when it started and said the club stands for ideals that are important to the community.
Vicki Kemp, club sponsor, introduced Li to the organization.
“Michelle runs the club, she has a lot of great ideas, a lot of enthusiasm and people who feel the same,” Kemp said. “I support them and can offer some direction.”
SADD organized Red Ribbon Week this year and planned events for students to participate in throughout the week, including a Car Bash to raise money for the club.
The money they raised, $215, goes toward sending members to certain events, including Speak Hard, an NCADA event in which members can go to Jefferson City to speak with Missouri legislators and advocate for drug abuse prevention laws.
“Kids think they’re too smart to get addicted,” Kemp said. “But addiction is an equal opportunity and can happen the first time you drink.”
Kemp said members are enthusiastic people who want to help people know that there are more ways to have fun that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
“Not making destructive decisions includes not drinking or using drugs and also being okay with who you are and other choices that aren’t always considered,” Kemp said.
The club’s next meeting is Nov. 17 in Room 284.
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