Operation Snowball student and adult leaders from both North High and South High celebrate being awarded "Most Outstanding Chapter!"
District 99 received an award for its continuing efforts to encourage students to make healthy lifestyle choices. Operation Snowball, an alcohol and other drug use prevention program, named District 99 “Outstanding Snowball Chapter” and presented the award to officials and students from both North High and South High.
Student Assistance Coordinators Diana Benoist at South High and Keith Bullock at North High accepted the award on behalf of District 99. Both use positive reinforcement tactics throughout their prevention programs, which directly impact the social and emotional health of the 5,000 students at District 99. For example, both repeatedly use the phrase “most students” to emphasize that the majority of our students do not drink or use drugs. They also train and develop strong student leaders, and the popular and effective Operation Snowball retreats help to strengthen number and quality of peer leaders at both of our schools. The schools also organize several school-based prevention events throughout the school years, which have included inspirational speakers, who have made a direct and personal impact on many students. They also manage substance abuse intervention services for those who need it.
Ron Jakubisin from Operation Snowball presented the award. He also presented the "Outstanding Adult Leader" award to Lauren Aramburu from the Downers Grove Township. Several members of the Downers Grove Township were also in attendance.