by: Rubee Stillwagon
The GS SADD club is having its annual Red Ribbon Week on October 23-27. The club is anticipating a successful week through activities that involve student engagement.
“SADD club is Students Against Destructive Decisions and basically, what we do is try to promote healthy lifestyle decisions,” SADD club advisor Mrs. Alyssa Lukatch said.
SADD is a club that was put together to encourage students to make the right decisions. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, mental health or reckless driving, members of the club work to protect students from these things and from going in the wrong direction.
“We just want to promote a drug-free lifestyle for all students and want them to see there are fun things to do without using drugs or alcohol,” Mrs. Lukatch said.
Red Ribbon Week is a time when SADD uses fun activities to motivate students to live a sober life. Students can participate by dressing up for the daily themes and participating in the activities.
“There are themes every day,” Lukatch said. “Monday there will be wristbands along with a video. Wednesday we are playing a school-wide Kahoot and the winner gets a prize. Thursday we are doing a banner signing during all lunches and then you can also put names on memorial hearts.”
A poster of the themes for Red Ribbon week.
Poster made by: Emma Helmick and Lola Slavnik.
This week can be beneficial to students who know someone who is struggling with substance abuse, mental health problems or any other life-changing problem or has even passed away from it.
“If you’re interested in joining SADD club it’s not too late to join,” freshman Mia Pellis said. “Meeting details are announced at the end of block two with the rest of the morning announcements.”
The club is always looking for supporters and new members. Those interested can join this club by messaging Mrs. Lukatch or showing up to a meeting. Meetings are usually held on Thursdays, but can be subject to change.
“I know how destructive decisions can affect people directly and indirectly, and I want to make sure others are informed about that to prevent harm done to themselves and the people around them,” Pellis said.
Members who commit to this club play a role in keeping GS students healthy in many aspects. They are a support system for students who may need help from someone like a peer.
“Last year, Brianna Campagna approached me about returning SADD to GS and I thought it was a great idea,” senior Ella Henry said.
Henry is also the current President of SADD, with Vice President Emma Helmick, Social Media Manager Anya Shilobod, Secretary Riley Campbell and Treasurer Juliana Stabile.
The SADD club officers from left to right: Emma Helmick, Riley Campbell, Anya Shilobod, Ella Henry and Juliana Stabile.
Photo courtesy of: @gs_sadd on Instagram
“We try to make it fun to learn about these things as well,” Henry said.
Each day for Red Ribbon Week will have a different theme along with a saying to match it. Monday will be BBQ Dad, Tuesday is Barbie, Wednesday is Wear Red, Thursday is Mix-Match Your Clothes and Friday is Western.
“We really want to spread awareness and teach others the life-changing effects of drugs and addiction,” she said.
Overall, Red Ribbon Week is planned to be fun and educational for all students. SADD club also hosts Mental Health Awareness Week and PROMotion to Be Drug-Free in the spring which are events for students to keep an eye out for.
“We hope we can give students the information to make responsible decisions for their mind, body and others,” Pellis said.
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