VAASA Works to Create a Healthier Community

Contributed by Ashley Simmons

VAASA stands for Vocal Athletes Advocating for Substance use Alternatives. This after school program is made of student athletes that are strong supporters and advocates for avoiding the usage of drugs and alcohol. 

The early stage of VAASA is dedicated to learning about different substances and the effects that they can cause. We made shirts that can be worn to athletic practices and used as a way to represent our pride in remaining substance free. Also, we hosted Red Ribbon week. This is a way to educate and interact with other students. During lunch, members of VAASA and Ms. Finlay would be at a table decorated with games and prizes. Wearing red to school shows your support in remaining substance free and awards you with a raffle ticket. 

After becoming informed about the issues substances can cause, the students only become more dedicated to preventing this in the future. Therefore, it has been an annual occurrence to create and share a presentation to incoming freshmen. To target this specific audience we head to the middle school and present to multiple classes. Our presentations are carefully constructed; containing interactive games, questions, statistics, and other information. Not only are the presentations entertaining in nature, but they are informative and persuasive. The goal is to get to the young minds of Chariho before drugs and alcohol can. Sharing our own stories also makes the presentation more reliable and honest to the 8th graders. 

Following the conclusion of middle school presentations, we will begin our efforts to keep prom safe. The main concern regarding prom is typically drinking and driving. While we have not begun planning for this year, last year we made keychains with the quote, “Drive sober, arrive alive.” This simple reminder could have been what prevented many students from making a deathly decision. 

VAASA takes a very student-led and active approach to creating a healthier community at Chariho High School. Hopefully, our efforts make an impact on the choices students make throughout their lives.