Hersey S.A.D.D. club nets school $1,500

Members of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) at John Hersey High School were recently awarded third place in Region 1 of Illinois’ annual Operation Teen Safe Driving program.

Winners were selected, based on their creativity and imagination in developing programs to educate their peers on the dangers of unsafe driving practices.

Hersey’s submission netted the school $1,500 for its post-prom event this year, a safe and substance-free experience for students following the dance.

Arlington Heights police Detective Brandi Romag, S.A.D.D. sponsor and police liaison, said, “The kids worked really hard and their efforts paid off!”

Thirty-five schools throughout the state, five winners in each of the seven regions, were awarded $500-$2,500 that may be used for bands, DJs, gift cards, food, or beverage at their post-prom events.

The 35 high schools have been chosen to participate later this month in Ford Motor Company Fund’s Driving Skills for Life, “Ride and Drive” events. Professional drivers will show young drivers skills such as hazard recognition, accident avoidance, vehicle handling and speed management.

State officials say they have recorded a significant decrease in teen fatalities in automobile accidents since the program began in 2007.