Jacobs senior named to national youth leadership council

A Jacobs High School senior will be the face of a national student activism organization dedicated to helping young people make safe, healthy and smart decisions.

Laura Saldivar, 18, of Algonquin was selected as an executive member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions National Leadership Council for the 2012-2013 school year. She will join six other council members who will represent thousands of SADD students across the country.

SADD highlights the prevention of destructive behaviors and attitudes, including underage drinking, substance abuse, risky and impaired driving, teen violence and suicide.

The Student Leadership Council is an advisory committee to the SADD national board of directors on policies and programs, and plans and implements the annual SADD National Conference. Members represent SADD at local, regional, and national events and engagements.

As an executive member, Saldivar is one of two students who will serve as a youth spokesman for the organization. Her duties begin in June at the national conference in Torrance, Calif.

“I believe it is a huge honor and I was shocked when I found out,” Saldivar said. “I have put all of my time and effort into this all through high school and to see it all come together senior year is cool.”

Saldivar is founder of the SADD chapter at Jacobs in Algonquin. She is working with students from Huntley High School to kick-start their own chapter and already assisted in the formation of a SADD group at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville. She also co-founded the Jacobs Safety Initiative, a teen safe driving club.

“It is important to raise awareness to issues, especially underage drinking and the impact it can have,” Saldivar said. “If we can save one life, it’s worth the time and effort.”

Robyn Block, Illinois SADD coordinator, said Saldivar is a great leader who can also work well in a team setting. The role of executive member is well-deserved, Block said.

“She has got tons of experience and is passionate about traffic safety especially,” said Block, who added Saldivar wants to work for the Department of Transportation or the National Transportation Safety Board.

“I am going to be writing to her looking for funding in the future,” Block said.