“I promise to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and violence. I value myself and others and want to let students know they do not have to drink or use drugs to enjoy their lives. I will set an example by choosing to do what is right. I understand by making positive choices I am actively being part of the solution. I will have pride in my school, my community and most importantly myself.”

When students choose to join P.R.I.D.E. (Positive Role Models Inspiring Direction to Excellence) club, they are pledging not only to abstain from the drug and alcohol culture that is present at York, but also to find different activities to participate in that are more beneficial to themselves and those around them.

“P.R.I.D.E.’s overall purpose is to help create role models in our school that can really make a positive impact on students, encouraging them to make the right decisions,” said Natalie Rohman, senior and P.R.I.D.E. board member. “I think that P.R.I.D.E. allows kids to do something other than drugs or alcohol, and it really just brings good people together. We’re doing great things for our community and making strong leaders in the process.”

At each meeting, board members lead activities that are related to current holidays or school events. They also bring in speakers who talk about their experiences in high school, and what kind of pressures they felt to take part in activities with drugs and alcohol.

“At our next meeting in November, we will be honoring the of Teacher of the Quarter. We nominate teachers that we believe stand by our club’s values (making right decisions and having fun in a positive way). Ms. Bylina was the winner, so she will come in the next meeting to talk a little about her beliefs, her experiences with peer pressure, and why drugs and alcohol are not necessary to have fun,” said Rohman.

In the past, P.R.I.D.E. has not been able to do many events, but Rohman says that they plan on changing that this year.

“Hopefully, we will be able do some fundraising and more charity work like Feed My Starving Children,” she said. “It’s yet to be figured out, but I think an important part of this group is giving back to the community; it is kind of hard to go on field trips now, so we haven’t been able to do those things in the past.”

Based on their success in the beginning of this year which started with decorating the Academic Foyer for Homecoming Week, it looks like this year for P.R.I.D.E. will be a good one.

P.R.I.D.E meets every third Thursday of the month at 7 a.m. in the choir room (A154). If you are looking to make new friends, give back to the community, and have fun without drugs and alcohol, P.R.I.D.E is for you!