Kelsey Jackowitz for The Lightning Rod
The Saratoga Springs High School SADD Club recentlydesigned a mural located on the upper floor of the high school, which encourages students to enjoy the activities they are involved with, and to continue to make good choices. The mural, which features life sized silhouettes of students engaged in music, art and athletics, was revealed to the student body on Friday May 15th. The unveiling was part of a pre-prom “Safe Spring” week, according to a school district press release.
“It means, for me, to encourage kids to make good choices and smart decisions that will impact their future,” said club advisor Holly Louis.
The mural represents the group’s first permanent display in the school; however, the SADD club organizes frequent banner signings at SSHS. Students sign a promise to make the right choices and urge others to do the same.
“My hope is that we spread positive messages to our students so they encourage their friends to make good choices, because they need to realize that their actions change lives,” said Louis. The members help spread awareness to make the environment of the school more safe and the students more knowledgeable about the decisions they are making and the backlash that bad judgement can have.
“SADD Club means making right decisions and projecting them through the school to make good examples for other students,” said member Eva Kobylar.
The SADD Club, an organization that stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, supports students in informing others of the dangers kids may face in their four years of high school, and guiding them to protect themselves in difficult situations. During meetings members speak of issues such as dating violence, bullying, pregnancy prevention and drug use.
“It’s important that kids are getting the right message about things, and also become informed on what they’re doing,” said club member Sloane Doris.
Kelsey Jackowitz is a junior and a student in Ms. Cowburn’s Introduction to Journalism class.