During the Battle of the Belt in November, SADD members designated certain days to stand at the exits of the school parking lots to count the amount of drivers and passengers wearing seatbelts. Members rocked back and forth in the winter chill, clutching a piece of paper in one hand, and a pen in the other. As each vehicle passed them, they would draw a talley on their paper, with each talley representing yet another student who was practicing safe driving.  During the month of the Battle of the Belt, SADD worked to motivate the student body to wear seatbelts while in a vehicle.

Their efforts paid off  when a  bronze banner was given to SADD and the high school from the Missouri Department of Transportation, because above 90 percent of drivers were wearing seat belts on the final count.

“It is amazing to have received this award because it is important to us that our students, parents, and teachers are driving safely. Being awarded this banner shows that the majority of our school wear their seatbelts when they are driving or riding in a car,” said secretary of SADD senior Cole Keiper.

The SADD officers received their award from a representative of the Missouri Department of Transportation in March.

“The club as a whole is making an impact and changing the school for the better. It feels good to know that SADD has made an impact on the student body,” said SADD president senior Kylee Reichman.

As leaders prepare for graduation, and pass on their leadership in the process, they only see a bright future ahead for SADD. They hope the accomplishments of this year will motivate members next year.

“I think this will push next year’s SADD leaders to promote safe driving to the student body, and achieve this same accomplishment as a club.  It is great to see the work we put into promoting safe driving is paying off,” said Keiper.

Not only do the members anticipate next year, but so does sponsor Tina Fultz.

“I am thrilled that the hard work of the students trying to educate other students about the importance of wearing their seat belts paid off,” said Fultz. “If one student starts buckling up that didn’t in the past, it is all worth it!  Our focus next year will be improving passengers buckling up.”

As the members plan for where they would like to permanently hang their banner and begin the election process for new officers, the student body awaits the next words of advice and events  SADD has in store for them in order to raise awareness of destructive decisions.