S.O.D.A club educates students
by Shelby Shepperly
December 14, 2010
With a safer community as its goal, Marshfield High School S.O.D.A (Students Opposing Destructive Actions) club educates youth in making smart decisions.
The S.O.D.A club is sponsored by high school health teacher Peggy Swatkowski and high school nurse Shari Miller. Every year, the S.O.D.A club has a full schedule. With a meeting every week, they plan many lessons, events, and projects that can educate students on the effects of alcohol, drugs, and other destructive behavior. Recently, S.O.D.A club traveled to Marshfield Junior High to discuss the danger of drugs with the 6th grade class.
“We are an abstinence based club whose goal is to educate motivate, and provide information to the community,” said Swatkowski.
Along with the junior high, S.O.D.A club educates the lower grades as well.
Every year they put on a safety play for the 1st grade. This includes information on strangers, telephones, drugs, bullying and seatbelt safety. This year they will be going to talk to the 4th grade on similar subjects for the first time.
S.O.D.A clubs biggest event is their annual senior citizen's dance. They fund raise to cover all expenses for the dance so it is free for senior citizens. It has been a big hit and according to Swatkowski many senior citizens get excited about it.
“I’ll go to Wal-Mart and see someone that attended our dance and they will always ask and make sure we are having another one this year,” said Swatkowski.
If all these events weren’t enough, the S.O.D.A club also helps with the annual PTSG carnival and plans Red Ribbon Week. They participate in Safety Fairs and trash pick-ups.
With an average of 30 kids in the club a year, it is evident that students want to spread awareness on the consequences of wrong decisions. S.O.D.A club undoubtedly does their part in providing to the common good of our community.
