The Denham Springs High School JADD Club traveled to Phoenix,Arizona on June 19th for the National SADD Convention where the club's sponsors Elise LeBlanc and Shannon Donze were recognized as the National SADD Advisors of the Year.  The JADD Club was recognized last year at the conference as the 2007-2008 National SADD Chapter of the Year. With thousands of SADD clubs across the nation, being recognized as being number one at the national level is quite remarkable! The theme of the conference this year was "Passion, Power, Idenity- Soaring to New Heights." The students participated in workshops and heard guest speakers all with the purpose of promoting positive ways to stop fellow students,friends and family from making destructive decisions. From addresses on the importance of seatbelt safety and driving the legal speed limit to mental health issues and suicide, the members were inspired and charged to make changes in our community! 

The members were able to tour the beautiful state of Arizona before the convention started. After flying into Phoenix, the group traveled to "Red Rock Country" where they visited Montezuma's Castle(ancient cliff dwellings) and then travled on to the beautiful town of Sedona nestled in the Red Rocks Crossing. The group had the opportunity to stay on the famous Route 66 in Williams, Arizona  in the historic Grand Canyon Hotel. They traveled to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway Train where they were treated to singing cowboys as well as a train robbery!  When asked what was the favorite of all that was done, all agreed seeing the majestic Grand Canyon had to be it!  No postcard picture or even video can do it justice! It is absolutely breath taking!

Now that they have returned from their trip, the members say that the real work will begin! They are determined to make positive changes in their school as well as the community at large!