ALLENTOWN – The effects of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs don’t come close to the long-lasting buzz of natural highs, according to one group of Allentown High School students.
The Lifesavers Club at Allentown High School offers students the opportunity to experience raw emotions and physical feats in various settings while embracing drugfree living. All members make a pledge to remain drug-free for the school year and are involved in various projects that promote the concept of living drug-free in the schools and the community.
The Lifesavers Club thrives on natural highs, and thus far this school year, members have experienced two together beyond the walls of the high school.
On Oct. 21, the Lifesavers Club went to the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Lyndhurst, where 26 students posed for pictures with a princess, ate a traditional medieval-times meal without silverware, and enjoyed a show of jousting knights and dancing horses.
The Lifesavers cheered the Red Knight on in the battle and led the knight to victory, according to Louise San Nicola, the school district’s public information officer.
“Everyone’s positive, natural energy made the Red Knight win,” San Nicola said.
Lifesaver Club member Christina Occhiogrosso added, “Later that night, I was sitting in my room thinking about what a fun afternoon I had and I realized something very important. Once again the Lifesavers proved that you can have a natural high without the use of drugs or alcohol.”
Occhiogrosso said that she recognizes that the combination of all of the students’ energy makes a difference. She said unification is what the club is all about.
“We are Lifesavers, together by chance, drug-free by choice,” she said.
Earlier in the school year, the Lifesavers Club participated in the annual Reaching Everyone by Exposing Lies (REBEL) retreat, which teaches participants how to avoid tobacco use and the means to keep their peers from smoking.
Carly Reiss, a new club member, said, “I was a bit nervous about the retreat, what everyone would think of me, even though my friends were coming on the retreat. But as soon as I got there, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry.”
Students on the retreat participated in many activities including a low-ropes course, a campfire, and a sharing circle. All of the activities are designed to rely on teamwork and to heighten bonding experiences.
“The LifeSavers retreat for this year was an amazing success,” Reiss said. “Everyone met new people, tried new things, and gained a bit more self-confidence.”
Grants from The Allentown/Upper Freehold Drug-Free Alliance helped fund the Medieval Times and retreat trips. The Lifesavers also received funding for the retreat trip from REBEL and the Upper Freehold Regional Education Foundation.
For more information about the Lifesavers Club, visit the Upper Freehold Regional School District Web site at www.ufrsd.net and click on the Allentown High School link.