Aderonke Olaleye
McDonogh School
Randallstown, Maryland

Dedicated to SADD since the seventh grade, Aderonke first founded a chapter at Deer Park Magnet Middle School. She later started a middle school chapter and revived a dormant upper school chapter at McDonough School, where she is currently a junior and serves as SADD president.

Aderonke has played an integral role in planning a variety of countywide events, including an annual leadership summit, "Kids Safety Day," and several retreats. Aderonke worked with the Baltimore County Bureau of Substance Abuse to put on a puppet show entitled "Kids on the Block" to promote awareness of disabilities, medical-educational differences and social concerns, including teen pregnancy and alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

A talented vocalist, Aderonke auditioned for and won a seat on the Maryland All-State Chorus. A member of the National Junior Honor Society, she is also active in the Multicultural Club, the Black Awareness Club, and serves as Treasurer and member of the Student Government Association. Aderonke also enjoys balancing these activities through her involvement in her school's field hockey and track teams.

Freevibe had the opportunity to interview this amazing teen.

FV: What made you decide to become involved with SADD and start a chapter at your school?
Aderonke: I can't speak for others but I know that my involvement with SADD has taken me places. The organization and its message have made me a better person. My dad used to smoke and drink when he was younger and he currently has diabetes. He is a Pastor now, and by God's grace he is all right and he's my role model. His mistakes motivated me to make better choices in my life. I delight in spreading drug prevention messages through my work with SADD and helping to encourage people to make better decisions in their daily lives.

FV: What activities does your chapter organize to raise awareness about the dangers of marijuana, alcohol and other drugs among students? Do you organize any activities to educate parents?
Aderonke: I am the president of my school's SADD chapter. Since I have been president, the club started an annual Alcohol and Drug Awareness Week. We have speakers come into school and share their stories with the community. The day before the commencement of the Awareness Week, we put posters all over the school's buildings. On the Wednesday of the week, we sponsor a SADD merchandise giveaway where a table is set up and people can take resources from pencils to candy to brochures. On the last day of the week, we place a wrecked car on display on school grounds with a prevention message on it.

FV: How did you first become involved with the Baltimore County Bureau of Substance Abuse?
Aderonke: I became involved with the Bureau of Substance Abuse after I was accepted as a district representative for the Baltimore County SADD executive board. The board meets in the office occupied by the Bureau of Substance Abuse.

FV: You are a member of the SADD Leadership Council. What does that mean/entail?
Aderonke: I am very blessed and honored to be a member of the SADD National Student Leadership Council. Students on the Council have a huge responsibility. We serve as a liaison between the SADD chapters and organizations in different states and the SADD National Board. We present the issues concerning our peers and present solutions and remedies to the problems. We also help to plan and organize the annual SADD National Conference which will be in St. Louis in July 2004.

FV: What sort of advice would you give to other students who are interested in raising awareness about drug prevention issues in their communities?
Aderonke: Raising awareness about drug prevention is a very difficult thing to do. The purpose of SADD is to educate and make people aware of the consequences of making bad decisions. We don't have the power to make decisions for people, we can only hope that all our efforts will touch them and aid them in making positive decisions for themselves. My advice for people who are interested in raising awareness about drug prevention is that you should not give up, be creative in what you do, and don't be a hypocrite. Actions speak louder than words. Don't tell someone who is underage not to drink and drive if you drink occasionally. That is not good enough.

FV: What is your anti-drug?
Aderonke My anti-drug is my body and my faith. I am a devout Christian and the Bible says that one's body is the temple of the holy spirit. I have researched the effects of drugs and alcohol on a body and the knowledge I gained and my faith has helped me to make a decision to never do drugs.