William Tennent Students Get Locked In for SADD

Hand-drawn signs marked “SADD Lock In” directed students around William Tennent High School’s main entrance toward the gym.  It was Friday evening, the time when many students hunt for something fun to do.  SADD proved to be the right find.

SADD Helping Students Make Good Decisions

“I got involved with SADD because I thought doing so would have a good influence on other students, helping them decide not to make destructive decisions,” Cassie, a staff member of William Tennent’s SADD organization said as she handed wrist bands to arriving students. 

Soon a student of medium height exited the gym and came down the hallway.  “Hi.  I’m Matt Kelly,” he said.  “I’m the president of our local SADD chapter.  Kelly’s our co-president,” he said, pointing to a student who smiled next to him.  Although this marks Matt and Kelly’s first year as co-presidents, their enthusiasm and vision regarding the chapter’s current and future events made them appear like anything but neophytes.  

“Other events we’re planning this year include the Prom Promise and a car wash,” Kelly said.  “The car wash is on May 16 at the K-Mart on Street Road.  Money from the car wash benefits the March of Dimes.”

SADD is gearing up with Nationwide to ensure students not only promise their prom dates that they will enjoy the big night absent drugs and alcohol, the two organizations are joining forces to pass along savings to teens.  “If students register to attend SADD’s Prom Promise, they can get a discount with Nationwide,” Matt said. 

Biggest Event of the Year

“Tonight’s lock in is our biggest event of the year,” Kelly added.  "We expect about 100 students.”  The lock in ran from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m.  Capping off the evening’s events was local band, North of Earth.  Students sat on the gym floor with their backs leaning against the wall while they listened to the band perform.  

On the other side of the gym, more students played basketball.  Evening attractions also included balloon designing, magic tricks and caricature drawings.  As William Tennent student, Brennan, watched a friend get a caricature drawing, she said that she attended this year’s lock-in because, “I wanted to find out what it was like.”  

Melissa added, “SADD lock-in events are fun. Students can hang out with their friends and have fun without making poor decisions.” 

“The lock-in gives us something to do outside of school,” Ariel said.  “We can come here and have fun instead of going out and making destructive decisions. 

More Treats and Entertainment

“Maggio’s donated 20 pizzas,” Matt said, approaching the refreshment table near the end of the hallway. In addition to free pizza slices, desserts and club sandwiches lined the table.  “Help yourselves to the food,” Matt called out to students as they entered the gym. 

Sarah Webber, owner of Cupcake and Associates (www.cupcakeassoc.com) donated 80 homemade red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing for the lock-in.  “I’m a school nurse at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology,” Webber said. “Matt told me about the event.  I donated cupcakes because I want to support kids who make good decisions.” 

The Amazing Alex performed magic tricks for the evening.  “I’ve been performing magic tricks for six years,” Alex said.  “I’m a member of the Warminster Society of Young Magicians.  This is my first year at a SADD lock-in.  It’s a good cause.  People need to hear about this.”

President of the Society of Young Magicians and owner of A-Z Magic, Arlen Solomon, also performed at last year’s lock-in.  “Students were very receptive last year,” he said.  “It’s the reason we came back this year.  

William Tennent’s SADD lock-in is open to students in grades 8-12.  Chris Quinn and Bob Cassidy are SADD’s co-advisors.  “We’ve been planning the lock-in events for about one and a half months,” Quinn said.  “We also have a fortune teller coming.” 

“Our assistant principal, Ms. Ithier won the dance off contest,” a few students exclaimed.  As a video of teachers dancing was shown at the lock-in, students had placed their votes and Ms. Ithier came out on top. 

“We are showing students that they can have a good time without the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Quinn concluded.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) started in 1981.  The organization that was founded in Wayland, Mass., by Robert Anastas and 15 other high school students has expanded across the country.  Pennsylvania’s chapter was founded in 1982.