For Lane Heersche, making a difference in his school and community starts with small acts of positivity.
A member of Wellington High School’s Sumner County Community Drug Action Team, Heersche joined SCCDAT as a sophomore with the goal of helping address drug use in the area.
“I joined SCCDAT in my sophomore year to make an impact on drug use around my area,” Heersche said. “Most of my friends were in it as well, so it was an easy choice to join.”
SCCDAT gives students opportunities to promote positive messages and encourage their peers to make healthy choices. The group meets once a month for activities designed to build school morale and remind students that they are valued.
One of those activities involves writing positive messages that students can take with them if they are having a difficult day. Members also make positivity bracelets for middle school students and use sidewalk chalk to spread encouraging messages around the school.
For Heersche, the activities are more than just something to do during a monthly meeting. He believes they can have a lasting effect on students who may need encouragement.
“I think SCCDAT makes an impact by making students feel more appreciated and wanted,” Heersche said. “It also shows kids that they don’t need drugs and that there is a way out.”
Along the way, Heersche has also made memories with his friends through the organization. SCCDAT lunches have become a source of friendly competition, with members challenging each other to see who can eat the most pizza slices.
Sidewalk chalking has brought another competitive element.
“I also enjoy sidewalk chalking and making it a competition to see who can make the most positive messages,” Heersche said.
While the competition and time with friends make SCCDAT enjoyable, Heersche said the organization’s larger purpose is what makes the experience worthwhile. He encourages other students to get involved and believes schools without an SCCDAT chapter should consider starting one.
“Join it; you get to interact with your school more and keep the student body morale high,” Heersche said. “If you don’t have SCCDAT at your school, advocate for one.”
Heersche believes students should not underestimate the difference they can make. Even a single voice, he said, can help create change.
“Try your hardest to form it because every person making an effort to stop drug use matters,” Heersche said. “You never know how much your voice can matter and induce change.”
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