Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) is a student run club associated with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. For the first time, SAVE has joined Oakdale’s 2023-2024 club roster. The club aims to educate students on the warning signs of violence and build a positive school climate.

Junior Evie Graham came across the foundation in the spring of last year, and knew she wanted to create a chapter here at Oakdale. After extensive research on the foundation, Graham proposed the idea to social studies teacher, Mrs. Lissa Smith, the club’s advisor. Once a month during 4th block club time, Graham aims for SAVE to “empower students to take charge of their experience at Oakdale, and to feel that they have a voice on issues that directly impact them.”

During the first meeting on September 22nd, Graham welcomed 38 members to the club. Students were introduced to SAVE and wrote letters to trusted adults in their lives. Junior Sophia Prevett explained why she was eager to be involved: “I am looking forward to volunteer opportunities outside of school and working with people from my school.”

Differing from most clubs at Oakdale, SAVE is 100% student led. Graham mentioned, “I think in this current societal climate, feeling in control and being proactive, especially in a school setting, is our biggest superpower.”

On October 13th, during the club’s second meeting, students made posters to create the club’s promise for the 2023-2024 school year. Students answered questions like, “What makes you feel safe in your school?” in hopes to generate a promise that the club will strive to work towards throughout the year.

SAVE not only provides students with the opportunity to voice their concerns, but also a way to encourage kindness and acceptance amongst students in schools. Additionally, the club plans to educate young students about the “Start With Hello” program. After the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting, the campaign was created in 2012 for students K-12 to “recognize loneliness and social isolation in their peers,” according to the Sandy Hook Promise Learning Center.

SAVE gives students the opportunity to implement change on issues that affect them directly, and allows them to take initiative. Graham hopes that the club continues after she graduates and empowers future students to advocate for themselves too. Be sure to check out SAVE next year at the school club fair to get involved!