Student group replaces Just Eliminate Lies

Sandra Omari-Botang/Feature Editor

S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has become the latest label for a group that focuses on prevention and education of drugs, alcohol and violence.

The first group meeting was held after school on Nov. 16 to get to know new members and returning members from last year’s tobacco prevention group, J.E.L. (Just Eliminate Lies).

The group meets once a month on Wednesdays. During the first meeting, the group members discussed the reasons why students attended the meeting and what they wanted to learn. The group also discussed concerns that they have about the student body. The group is led by counselor Josh Carnelley.

In the past there were groups similar to S.A.D.D. named P.L.A.A.D and S.S.R, which stood for Students for Social Responsibility. P.L.A.A.D had focus on educating students about prevention and making positive choices in their lives.

Last year, the state-run group J.E.L was introduced to students and caught on quickly. However, at the end of the year, state budget cuts of $4 million eliminated the group.

J.E.L. had about 21 members in its group last year; this year S.A.D.D. has about the same amount, but the group is still in its beginning stages of coming together. S.A.D.D. is building upon the efforts of what J.E.L. started: trying to broaden students’ views in regards to other concerning areas like drugs, alcohol and violence.

“My expectations are for the students to jump into this wholeheartedly and be a part of this group for the right reason. I’m supporting the group, but most of the work and ideas need to come from the students,” Carnelley said.

Class of 2014

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.