Student Layla Negron signs the 2023 SSCS SADD pledge banner while SADD chapter Treasurer Yasmin Issa serves as her witness.
The SSCS chapter of SADD is sponsoring Red Ribbon Spirit Week Oct. 23-27 calling on all students to take the pledge to make good decisions when it comes to themselves and others.
Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign held in October that inspires our kids to be happy, brave and drug free.
During the week, SADD members are encouraging all SSCS students to sign a school banner supporting one another in a pledge to make good decisions and not destructive ones. In return they receive a red ribbon which symbolizes their pledge to stay alcohol, tobacco, and drug free.
“It is a way to build community among our students so they encourage one another to do the right thing,” explained SADD Advisor Jennifer Field. “The banner will be hung in the school so students are reminded of their commitment all year long, continue to see their names and be proud of the decisions that they make.”
SADD stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, a much broader campaign than the Students Against Drunk Driving SADD initiative first launched back in 1981. Students in the Sharon Springs SADD chapter are part of a national organization that works to provide education to our students about the dangers of destructive decisions, which includes the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. They also try to educate youngsters about the dangers and harms of bullying and being a bystander.
Throughout the school year, SSCS SADD members raise funds to create environments that promote having an “enjoyable” time with their peers in a safe setting, Field said. This includes a Red Ribbon Dance (October 27), a Winter Ball, and a post-prom party. The post-prom party is completely funded and this year it will be held at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. At the post-prom, students have a night of being able to participate in any of the activities there that they choose, and receive giveaways for being in attendance which include gift cards, items for college, free yearbooks, etc.
This year’s Red Ribbon Spirit Week has also included Monday-Friday school dress-up days to promote school unity and support for the SADD cause.
View Facebook School Spirit dress-up photo albums on SSCS Facebook
SSCS SADD officers for the 2023-24 school year are President Anneliese Herzog, Vice President Joey Nedelsky, Secretary Devin Tissiere, and Treasurer Yasmin Issa. Other members include Tyler Lyon and Clayton VanPatten, and honorary eighth grade members Lucas Perry and Sophia Insogna.
Beyond what happens in school, Field says it’s important for adults to be active role models for children/teens and the decisions they make and as SSCS SADD Advisor she’s proud to do just that.
“I have lost members of my family to the use and abuse of these substances so there is a personal investment in helping the kids make better decisions about their lives,” she said. “I also like the fact that the students can support one another with making good decisions. The element of unity and community is so important.”
Eighth graders and SADD members Lucas Perry & Sophia Insogna with the completed SSCS pledge banner for Red Ribbon Spirit Week.
