SADD’s can do spirit shines during food drive

There’s a terrific tradition that includes some class competition at this time of year at Johnston High School.

It’s called the SADD (Student Against Dangerous Decisions) Food Drive that this year featured as much spirit and perhaps a record-setting number of canned goods that will enable many families in need enjoy a Thanksgiving Dinner.

Greg Russo, who chairs the Johnston High School Chemistry Department and doubles as Faculty Advisor for the Student Council, initiated the canned goods drive and the SADD officers held the collection that concluded last Friday and required two large pick-up trucks to deliver the extraordinary amount of canned goods.

“The canned goods drive is our way of giving kids something positive to do for the community and to help other people who are less fortunate and in need,” Russo explained while watching SADD officers and their helps pack can after can into card boxes last Friday. “The food was donated to Our Lady of Grace Church’s Food Pantry.”

Russo further explained that “we had a competition among home rooms here at Johnston High School as to which home room collected the most canned goods.”

The winner was Miss Teolis’ home room 230 and the students in her room will now receive a free breakfast at a local restaurant compliments of SADD.

He also announced that this year’s SADD Canned Goods Drive want over the top and thus those non-perishable foods will be kept inside JHS’ Food Pantry for use throughout the school year.

Russo then wanted it known that the student who brought in the most canned goods was Zack Zambarano, a member of the Class of 2019 who brought in over 200 canned goods.

Meanwhile, SADD President Lauren Messa was, as Russo noted, “Thrilled with the results of this year’s drive.”

“It always feels good to give back to the community,” Messa said. “In these food drives no small act goes unnoticed. I am proud of my peers for the turnout that we had this year. It’s an honor to lead such a successful group.”

In addition to Messa, other SADD officers who spearheaded the highly-successful Canned Goods Drive were Julianna Zalewski, vice president; Emily Sierra, recording secretary; and Breanna Podmaska, corresponding secretary.

Perhaps Sierra said it best adding: “For me, doing the canned food drive felt good to give back to families who are less fortunate. Feels great to be part of something knowing you helped other people in need. It puts a smile to my face knowing the end results in how much we collected and that I was able to take part and contribute.”