BHS Students Celebrate S.A.D.D.'s 30th Birthday

by Rachel Goldberg, Social Science Teacher S.A.D.D. Advisor, Chess Club Advisor, Peace Patrol Committee Member Bloomfield High School

Wednesday, November 30 was SADD's 30th Birthday. The National Organization focuses on underage drinking, other drug use, risky and impaired driving, teen violence, and teen suicide.

The Bloomfield SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions) chapter celebrated the 30th birthday during BHS lunch periods by encouraging new members to join with "The Top 30 Reasons to Join SADD." The table included a 30th birthday cake ring toss and lots of birthday presents for new members.

The Bloomfield SADD chapter has been around for a while, but has become very active in recent years. In the last two years, membership has reached nearly one hundred students.

The chapter is sponsored by DCH Auto Group that supports safe teen driving initiatives. The BMW of Bloomfield, a DCH dealership, has become very actively involved with the chapter.  General Manager Greg Holway is dedicated to safe teen driving programs in the Bloomfield community.

The combination of student involvement and DCH Auto Group commitment yields superb results. The unique relationship between the car dealership, the national organization, and the school provide students with the opportunity to live sober lifestyles, on and off the road. Last year's events included a golf cart drunk driving simulation and a school-wide safe teen driving presentation. This year, some events will be repeated and some new events will occur.

Top 30 Reasons to Join SADD:

1. You can save a life.
2. It’s fun.
3. It’s free, thanks to the BMW of Bloomfield and DCH Auto Group.
4. We go on lots of field trips.
5. You can meet new people.
6. You get to show off your abilities.
7. We’re one big happy family.
8. It’s a great way to help in your community.
9. We’re a productive club.

10.  2 students get to go on a free week long vacation (airfare, hotel, and food included) to go to SADD National Conference . . . This year we’re going to California!

11.  It looks good on college applications.

12.  You agree that bullying is a major problem and needs to be dealt with.

13.  You think spending your night over a toilet isn’t fun.

14.  You like going on field trips.

15.  You get to be a part of a state-wide and nation–wide organization.

16.  You can drive a golf cart on the roof of the BMW of Bloomfield, for our spring safe driving event.

17.  You want to be a role model.

18.  You want to prevent the #1 cause of teenage death: driving accidents.

19.  The BMW of Bloomfield throws us pizza parties and gives us freebies all the time.

20.  You want a 2012 SADD t-shirt (After 10 meetings/events yours is free!)

21.  You think “blacking out” makes people look like idiots.

22.  You want a leadership role on a school executive board.

23.  We have a great advisor.

24.  You realize that only 7% of teenagers smoke pot and you want to be in the other 93% who don’t.

25.  You want to honor those who have passed away from alcohol and drug related issues.

26.  You agree that drunk driving needs to stop.

27.  You want to make a difference in the world.

28.  You’ll make friends for life, in and out of school.

29.  You’re free on Thursdays right after school.

30.  We’re Winning!