SADD Reality Turned Happy: Local Chapter Receives National Recognition

Helping teens make good choices just got more rewarding for the members of 's chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Their education efforts have earned them national recognition as chapter of the year and $500—a pretty big feat for a group that formed just a little more than a year ago.

“We found out a week before the conference that we won; that was exciting,” said Cheryl Tyler, the club’s adviser. “The activities that [the kids] did throughout the year―they weren’t doing them to get an award. They were just choosing things to make a positive difference.”

The 60-plus members of Helix’s SADD were recognized for the “most creative and comprehensive approach” in realizing the organization’s mission, which they achieved through a survey, a grant-funded recycling program and a exposing the typical teenage party scene.

“One of the hardest things for me was watching them rehearsing,” said Tyler, a mom of two teens at Steel Canyon High School who want to start their own SADD chapter. “I knew they were good kids and didn’t do what they were acting out. You want to stop them.”

Tyler says they plan on putting the award money into more programs during the next school year, and that they’ll discuss things like bullying, tobacco and dating violence. Another reality party skit is on the books, too―back by popular demand.

“We have kids from all walks of life involved in the club,” she said. “[They] definitely walk the talk.”