Teens learn self-value at conference

Teens encouraged to make positive choices at SADD Conference

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> Sixty high school students from all over Madison County came together on Friday, Oct. 5, to the annual SADD Conference, sponsored by Madison County STOP DWI.

Madison County was represented by student leaders from Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, DeRuyter, Holy Cross, Madison, Oneida, and Stockbridge.

National Speaker Harriet Turk presented the keynote speech, “Just Be A Resource”, where she focused on teen issues. She empowered each student by challenging their negative thoughts of self-value. She reminded each student that they are not only valuable, but can make a difference in the lives of their peers.

“I am somebody special, if you don’t like me, tough,” Turk said, as students took up the chant. “Cause I am cool enough, smooth enough, and doggone it, I am hot enough to be who I want to be.”

Students were given the opportunity to rotate around the Kallet Theater and do hands- on activities they can implement in their school. Each activity focused on educating and preventing peers from using alcohol and other drugs. The students and advisors were given resources to do these activities in their schools and communities. Some stations included: chalk the walk; cups in the fence; and airing out tobacco and alcohol’s dirty laundry.

Representing the Sheriff’s Office, STOP DWI Coordinator Sgt. Matt White opened the day with welcoming remarks. Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood also attended the conference and spoke to the students briefly about his experiences regarding underage drinking and DWIs. Hood reminded them they are important and encouraged them to take what they learned back to their schools.

“The conference’s primary purpose was to empower students to be a resource, friendly, kind, and a role model”, said Jennifer Cottet, a prevention

tion education specialist for BRiDGES-Madison County Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Inc. Reality Check provided a T-shirt for every student and advisor present with the message “Just Be.”

PHOTO COURTESY MADISON COUNTY STOP DWI Sixty students from throughout Madison County attended the Madison County STOP DWI’s annual SADD Conference at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

PHOTO COURTESY MADISON COUNTY STOP DWI Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood addresses 60students from throughout Madison County during the Madison County STOP DWI’s annual SADD Conference at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.