Students Against Destrucitve Decisions

If "knowledge is power" - a phrase that dates back centuries-a group of students at Battery Creek High School (BCHS) have gathered enough intelligent information to take over a company board room. These Beaufort teenagers are members of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions). The club has had a presence at BCHS since 1994 and averages between 35 and 50 members. From outreach projects with local law enforcers, to educating fellow students about prom-night safety, the group keeps busy year-round fulfilling community services. A parade would not be a parade in Beaufort if the Battery Creek SADD chapter was not represented.

"I have seen kids join the SADD club who were kind of shy, and by the end of the first year, because of SADD they have blossomed," said Diane Grooms, chapter advisor. "They seem to have confidence and they really understand the importance of making the right decisions."

Diane has been associated with the school's chapter since it was formed. In the early years, SADD stood for Students Against Drunk Driving and its message was to say "no" to drinking and driving. Founded at a Massachusetts high school in 1981, the mission's focus expanded over the years as reflected in the organization's name change in 1997.

Today, SADD's "No Use" message includes the use of alcohol and other drugs and it highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, substance abuse, impaired driving and violence and suicide, as stated on SADD.org.

Diane, who is the school office manager, gives credit to a handful of students from the class of 1994 for getting the chapter off the ground. Her daughter, Rachel, now a teacher at Beaufort High School, was among those who helped organize the club. According to Diane, Battery Creek is the only public school in Beaufort County that is registered with SADD. BCHS has also helped the private school Beaufort Academy organize a chapter. In addition, Battery Creek is the only high school in South Carolina that has attended national SADD conventions. Because of the trip's high cost, students were unable to go this past school year.

Closing in on the club's 20th anniversary, Diane proudly states BCHS has not lost a student on prom night as a result of drinking and driving, and credits some of the good fortune to the heightened awareness provided by SADD members.

"Every prom season we put on a blitz," Diane said. "There are several different things we do for prom safety." The campaign includes an assembly for the students who are going to prom, along with their parents. The Beaufort County coroner speaks about the dangers of drinking and driving. Prom pledges are read and signed. This year, letters written by elementary students were distributed to juniors and seniors. "These little kids were so smart about not drinking and driving," Diane said." They wrote about wearing seat belts. . . . not texting while driving. They were wonderful."

SADD members also make their presence felt every year at the "Wake Up South Carolina" campaign. Two days before Thanksgiving, SADD members, officials from Beaufort County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Department and the state highway patrol serve free coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the I-95 rest stop in Hardeeville. The activity runs 12 hours and is used as a way to promote alertness.

"Seeing high school kids volunteer their time at the holiday and stay until midnight, and seeing them interact with adults they have never met before, that's impressive," said Wade Bishop, director of Prevention Services for Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department. 

Nathan Cooper has passed out his fair share of hot beverages during his four years at BCHS. Nathan joined SADD his freshman year and considers being a member among the best experiences in high school. "It was my favorite club because we interacted a lot more in the community than other clubs," said Nathan, who is a 2013 graduate. The 18-year-old also respected SADD's message to better his life.

"There are a lot of temptations in high school," Nathan said. "Smoking, drinking, drugs, fighting. I did smoke for a little bit, but I quit. It's kind of hypocritical for someone like to me to say don't smoke if I was doing it myself. That's not setting a very good example."

As for looking ahead, Diane said activities are being planned heading into Red Ribbon week. The nationally recognized week in October is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. The high school's SADD chapter will kick off a summer safety campaign that will focus on seat belt safety and the perils of texting while driving. It also will team with State Farm Insurance down the road, focusing on driving safety.
Diane said a membership drive will begin in late summer. "SADD is not an exclusive club," Diane said. "We feel if the ones who go out and drink and the ones who go out and drive, if they come to our meetings, they might make better decisions in the future."