A group of dedicated students at Oakdale High School in Maryland establishes a SAVE Promise Club in collaboration with Sandy Hook Promise, aiming to foster a safe and supportive school environment. Since its inception on August 30, 2023, the club has engaged over 5,000 other student-led initiatives nationwide, encouraging students to voice concerns about safety and appreciate their trusted adults. President Evie Graham, inspired by her own experiences with violence in schools, leads efforts like the “Get To Know Your SRO” initiative, breaking down barriers between students and school resource officers.
These initiatives come against a backdrop of alarming statistics regarding youth gun violence; between 2013 and 2022, the gun death rate among children surged by 106%. As school shootings sharply increase, students at Oakdale High are taking proactive steps to combat this trend through community engagement, educational campaigns, and an anonymous reporting system. By focusing on inclusivity and mental health awareness, the SAVE Club aims to leave a lasting positive impact on their community and equip peers with the tools to address potential crises.
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