SHS SADD wins award at the SADD National Conference

Salem High School SADD members Julia Casey, Sne Kaur, Katie Hobbs and Madison Sapcut with advisors Don and Jeanne Page had the opportunity to travel to Orlando, Florida for the annual SADD National Conference.  “It was great to be able to attend another conference. Due to COVID the last two conferences had to be cancelled.” explained Jeanne Page.
At the conference, 500 students from 42 states got to network together and develop strategies on how to help their peers and community. Hobbs gave her take away from the conference, “The SADD National Conference got me out of my shy shell, gave me connections across the country, and most importantly taught me the SADD shuffle!”
SHS SADD won a trophy for their idea on how to help spread the word about mental health issues. To win, they created and presented a school and community outreach program in just 24 hours. Casey said, “The sheer scope of the numerous topics discussed - all the way from mental health to emerging drugs to how to maintain healthy relationships - was beyond my expectations.  
“But in between the serious conversations, we still had a blast with all the random songs and dances and an evening at Epcot (which stands for Every Person Comes Out Tired) ending with the famed fireworks.”
SHS SADD received some help to be able to afford the trip. The Washington County Substance Abuse Council provided a grant for the group. They also got a scholarship from GM. Only 15 SADD chapters across the United States qualified for a GM scholarship. SHS SADD was ecstatic when they found out they had gotten money to help two students and an advisor. These sponsors are greatly appreciated and Kaur explains the benefits of this event, “Being able to be surrounded by people who have similar goals and aspirations was really inspiring. I had a fun time not only learning new things, but also breaking out of my shy shell. The conference also helped me to socialize with people all across the nation. Last, but not least, we all had a magical time at Disney.”
The conference is designed to inspire and develop leaders. “Going to SADD Nationals was truly life changing. I walked in as a student and came out as a leader. It was the most inspiring moments I’ve ever witnessed.” stated Sapcut.
Next year the conference will be held in Washington, D.C. Any SADD member qualifies to attend the conference. SHS SADD will be at the freshmen orientation at Salem High School or students can join when school starts by seeing teacher and co-sponsor, Michelle Medlock.