ROCKPORT — A pair of Rockport teens have started a new service organization aimed at helping students of all ages live healthier lives.
Rockport High School seniors Sami Steer and Emily Farell have chosen the YMCA Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center on Poole's Lane in Rockport as the base from which to launch their hybrid group that combines the principles and purpose of the YMCA's "Teen Leaders" program and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
The two were inspired to develop Students and Leaders Against Destructive Decisions (SALADD) after attending the Youth at Risk Conference this summer at Endicott College in Beverly, said Cape Ann YMCA Teen Director Nikki Klink.
"I've been totally impressed with their leadership, they've really been taking it by the reins," said Klink. "I told them to be creative; it's a leaders group but with a focus more on educating people on health decisions."
Klink said SALADD aims to provide information about the dangers of destructive decisions such as using drugs and alcohol but also hopes to promote healthy and open discussions about bullying, eating healthy, body image and depression.
The first SALADD meeting at Rockport High School was held recently, promoted by an unconventional advertising campaign by Steer and Farell to draw attention to the group. Posters were hung around the school building with just the letters and an image of a salad.
"We wanted people to ask about it," Steer said. "We wanted it to spread by word of mouth."
The campaign worked as the first meeting was attended by approximately 30 students. The group's second meeting was held last Friday afternoon at the Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center and drew 20 participants.
Steer, 17, of Pigeon Cove and Farell plan to hold meetings roughly every two weeks.
Each meeting will focus on a particular subject that those who attend will discuss and then research ahead of the subsequent meeting before finally compiling key points on the topic into an easy to read information flier, Steer said.
Another goal of the group is to provide opportunities for teens to give back to the Cape Ann community through pick-up days, food pantry visits and helping with children's programs. In order to graduate from Rockport High School, seniors must complete 50 hours of community service in addition to fulfilling academic requirements.
The group also plans to organize what its leaders describe as fun and safe social activities for teens through field trips and group events such as karaoke and movie nights.
Steer said the group has already discussed an apple picking trip and are excited about a "costume karaoke" night planned for Halloween.
"If someone comes to one of our events and that keeps them from making a destructive decision, that is what we want," Steer said.
For more information about the group, visit www.rockportteencenter.org, or call Klink at 978-546-3600.
Jonathan L'Ecuyer can be reached at jlecuyer@gloucestertimes.com.
2 More Western Journalists Die in Syria
7 Killed As Afghan Quran Protests Turn Violent
Santorum Goes After Obama on Energy
Judge Says Lindsay Lohan in the "Home Stretch"
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old
Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum
Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash
Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Released on Bail
Two Western Journalists Killed in Syria
Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen
Man Accused of Repeatedly Running Over Lover
Ga. Authorities Say 5 Dead in Spa Shooting
Raw Video: Obama Belts Out Blues
FDA: New Suppliers to Ease 2 Drug Shortages
Doctor Details Cancer Drug Needs and Shortage
Raw Video: New Orleans Revels in Mardi Gras
'Super PACs' Overtaking Campaigns' Fundraising
Raw Video: Mardi Gras Underway in New Orleans
Mild Weather Could Affect Syrup Production
Ex-IMF's Strauss-Kahn Questioned on Prostitution
