PRINCESS ANNE — The Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) at Washington Academy and High School are once again taking part in the NOYS “Seat Belts Save” campaign.

The first project to drive the message about seat belt safety was an unannounced checkpoint at school on Feb. 28. Members of SADD together with Maryland State Police Troopers Revel and Graves from Barrack X stopped cars as they entered the school to evaluate seat belt use. Ongoing publicity is again through “Seat Belt Selfies” posted to the school’s Facebook page where students and faculty are pictured buckled-up. One of the first to take part was Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Gaddis.

To encourage participation the first three students who submitted selfies received $10 gift cards from McDonald’s and the first school staff member received a $10 Dunkin gift card. Selfies are accepted through Facebook Messenger, or by email to SADD Chapter Advisor Lynne Brumley at lbrumley@somerset.k12.md.us.

The State Highway Administration also has a sign on U.S. 13 across from the school to add to the “Buckle Up” message noting that “SADD CARES.”

“SADD wants all of #JagNation to remain safe,” and everyone no matter what seat or whose car “ you should buckle up for safety!” Students and staff should watch for additional promotions in the coming weeks.

Sponsored by the NOYS, the National Organization for Youth Safety, SADD in 2021 won top prize honors and $1,500 in the category of “Highest Seat Belt Use Rate.”