Whitman’s SADD Club members receiving a check from Michael Tracy of Allstate Insurance Agency. Left to right: Elizabeth Mahadeo, treasurer; Hana Khan, secretary; Marilyn Mandaro, Whitman psychologist and club adviser; Samantha Augustine; Scott Matus; Edith O'Neil, president; Jennifer Mugavero; Allstate Agency owner Michael Tracy; and Whitman Principal James Polansky.
As the prom and graduation season nears, Walt Whitman High School’s SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has been extra busy on the Walt Whitman campus. As students entered the main drive this week, they were greeted with the sight of a gruesomely wrecked car on the front grass field, a grim reminder to slow down and make smart decisions when driving or entering a car as a passenger.
Local Allstate Insurance agency owner Michael Tracy visited Whitman on Tuesday to present a check for $1,000 to the Whitman SADD members to help in their efforts to bring attention to the escalating problem of teen auto accidents. “The majority of accidents we’re seeing on Long Island involve teenagers,” said Tracy. “And while there is a problem with drunk driving, there is also a big problem with teenagers speeding. Allstate believes in doing everything we can to help promote safe teen driving, so we are happy to present this check to the Whitman SADD club.”
The club has also been busy distributing friendship bracelets titled: “friends don’t let friends drive drunk,” and student lifeline cards. The cards, which are free to any student, contain an 800 phone number that can be used 24/7 to secure a free cab ride under almost any condition.
Whitman SADD is also cooperating with several other groups to present a powerful and informative program titled “Choices and Consequences” on Tuesday, May 6, at the Walt Whitman High School Forum at 7:30 PM. The SADD students hope that their efforts will help their peers enjoy this celebratory season safely.