Allen East students took an afternoon to see how the decision to drink underage can spark a chain reaction.
The national Students Against Destructive Decisions organization brought the underage drinking prevention presentation The Smashed Project to the school as a part of a pilot program to use theater to show students what they can do if they find themselves having to make a decision involving alcohol.
“It’s been remarkable to see students be able to see an authentic replication of what they face in their real situation,” said Rick Birt, S.A.D.D. National President & CEO. “To see real choices that they have to make, to see real consequences of underage drinking, and then to be able to have a conversation about how you should respond. What are those effects on my body, what are those effects on my future, how can that impact my ability to go to college, or be employed, or in the military."
That message that their actions have consequences is told with bits of comedy sprinkled in is what keeps the students’ attention, but the bigger learning experience comes after the performance.
“I think, really, the best part is the stuff at the end, is the interactive where kids get to ask questions,” said Allen East senior and SADD student Faith Sealscott, 18. “they get to say what they’re feeling and they get to see how one decision could’ve changed the whole picture and I think that’s really beneficial for them."
The performance is one of around 40 the national S.A.D.D. organization is taking around the country.
For Allen East's senior students, the event was one of their last as S.A.D.D. students, but as far as Faith Sealscott, 18, is concerned there is more to be done.
Sealscott was chosen to be a member of the College Advisory Council, where she will serve as a resource for universities around the country. For her, it is a chance to continue work she believes in with like-minded people.
"When I came to Allen East, my first assembly I sat down in was a S.A.D.D. assembly and I remember thinking, finally, people who make sense to me, I can really click with these people," said Sealscott. "I don't want to give up S.A.D.D. and the impact we have."
Her first meeting will take place in June a the S.A.D.D. National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
