Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is an organization that “empowers and mobilizes students and adult allies to engage in positive change through leadership and smart decision-making,” (sadd.org), and they have a powerful representative in Arapahoe High School senior Hannah Grothe.

Hannah first got involved with SADD during her sophomore year. She said, “I want to lead by example and empower youth to make intelligent decisions, not only behind the wheel but in their everyday lives and personal choices through peer-to-peer prevention and encouragement.” She has been on the Colorado Leadership Board of SADD and is currently on the National Board as the first ever representative from Colorado.

As part of her service on SADD’s National Board, Hannah has been working on a personal project focused on healthy coping mechanisms. She has created posters, wristbands, reflection cards, and activities that she’s willing to share with schools. She presented her project to the SADD Board of Directors in Washington, D.C. over spring break. While she was in D.C., she helped form new mission statements for SADD which will guide decisions made about legislative support. Hannah was awarded a $500 scholarship from an anonymous donor who was proud of and impressed by her work, and she got to see personal projects from seven of her peers on ways to help youth make intelligent, healthy decisions.

While in Washington, D.C., Hannah met with Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of National Drug Control Policy for the Office of the President (check out her TikToks with Dr. Gupta here and here). They spoke about issues facing the high school community regarding drugs and how to reach younger generations with information and prevention strategies.

Hannah also had a hand in coordinating a fundraising event for SADD called “Brunch for a Cause” at TopGolf. Over $46,000 was raised at this event to further peer-to-peer preventions and to introduce more students to SADD.