COVINGTON TWP, Pa., Oct. 25, 2024 – With the normalization of underage drinking and drug abuse, many problems occur: especially with high school students. This is why Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) was created. SADD is a club that brings light to teenager’s use of drugs and alcohol and discourages it.
The club is being run by Mrs. Julie Morris, who has been in charge for the past 8 years. Mrs. Morris thinks it is important to address the issues with students’ behaviors because she wants to keep them safe. She said, “I think it is important for students to advocate for smart choices so that students stay safe in and out of school.” Because we have lost multiple students in our district due to destructive choices, it is really important to try to break this cycle. Mrs. Morris’ interest for the club grew from her wanting to help students and wanting to interact with students outside of the classroom. She loves getting students involved with the club, and she listens to all of the suggestions and ideas that are suggested by members.
Currently there are 117 members in the club, which is about 13% of the student body. Students from all grades are allowed to join. Junior Payton Barbuti has been a member since freshman year. He joined the club because he was inspired by the message of SADD and thinks that teenagers need to stop making destructive decisions. He thinks that “the popularity of drugs and alcohol increases the use with teenagers because teenagers like to be part of trends.” With social media being at its peak, many teenagers see things online that they want to participate in. Teenagers are easily impressed, so the media has definitely caused an increase in the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
SADD tries to discourage these poor behaviors by sending out reminders to not participate. In the fall and spring, the members of the club go around and tie red ribbons on the driver side door handle of the student drivers. This is to serve as a reminder to not drink and drive. Before each school dance members pass out lollipops with reminders to be safe and stay sober. The last big thing SADD does near the end of the year before prom is hold an assembly for all juniors and seniors where lawyers come in to discuss the dangers of drinking and driving.
Mrs. Morris thinks that having students advocate for things that affect them and their classmates is important. Although not everybody is friends, it is easier to talk to a peer about these problems rather than an adult that barely knows you. While not everybody listens to the message of SADD, the club still tries their best to keep everybody safe.
