Date: 12/1/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A nationwide group known as Students Against Destructive Decisions has recently formed a new chapter at West Springfield High School (WSHS).
For some time, WSHS teacher Belinda McDonnell tried to establish a SADD chapter but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was unable to. Now, with students back in the classroom, McDonnell decided it was time to bring her vision to fruition.
McDonnell asked Ananda Lennox, West Springfield CARE Coalition coordinator, to assist her in getting the chapter up and running.
Lennox said that the CARE Coalition aims to create substance-free youth in West Springfield. Their mission is, “Through our collective voices, leadership expertise and resources, we will provide education and prevention efforts to address and eliminate underage alcohol and substance use and promote safe, healthy lifestyle choices.”
According to its website, “SADD empowers and mobilizes students and adult allies to engage in positive change through leadership and smart decision-making.”
Their mission is accomplished by “creating, equipping, and sustaining a network of student-run chapters in schools and communities focused on peer-to-peer education,” continued their website.
As SADD is strictly led by the students, McDonnell and Lennox are responsible only for overseeing their work.
During SADD’s Nov. 18 meeting, McDonnell told Reminder Publishing that SADD is part educational, along with being a “positive force in school and the community.” She added that they focus on and talk about current issues such as vaping and driving under the influence.
In addition, SADD puts on various projects. For Thanksgiving, the students established a “grateful project.” McDonnell said that these students donated their lunch times to ask people to fill out a slip of paper with prompts for a thank-you note. The notes could be written for the staff at the school, or others in town such as the Police and Fire departments, the mayor, town councilors and so on. Students also had the option to write a note to a friend or family member and share why they are thankful for them.
Lennox said this project was a “nice opportunity for people to come together.” She added, “It’s nice to feel appreciated.”
McDonnell said a few town officials came to the school to pick up and deliver the notes to the appropriate departments. The notes for teachers, family and friends were personally delivered by the students.
Some of the students who are a part of West Springfield’s SADD chapter said they had made new friends through the club, and introduced people across all grades.
Chanelle Osbourne, a freshman at WSHS, said the club focuses on issues that “improve [the] overall realm [of society].” She added that SADD brings students together on an emotional level, and described it as a “wellness club.”
During their meetings, Osbourne said, they talk about relevant ongoing problems. As the grateful project was their first one, she said the next topic they will be discussing is vaping.
All the work that SADD does is strictly volunteer. SADD’s main goal, as explained by Osbourne, is “to bring together a diverse and inclusive community.”
Eleanor Yates, a sophomore at WSHS, said she has joined countless clubs. For Yates, she said, “[It’s] important helping people and guiding people to be on the right track.”
Alongside Yates, she said all the students in the SADD chapter are “all on the same team.”
Now that the SADD chapter is up and running, students are encouraged to join. Lennox said it’s “more impactful,” when a student is pushing something, compared to an adult. She added that the club is “warm and welcoming” to anyone wishing to try it.
SADD chapter meetings take place every over Thursday after school.