Tuskan honored as SADD National Advisor of the Year

Mary Tuskan, counselor at Clinton High School, was chosen from a large number of qualified applicants as the SADD National Advisor of the Year, a press release said.

SADD President and Chief Executive Officer Penny Wells said that Tuskan, through her work at Clinton High School, has “exemplified our idea of a successful SADD advisor,” the press release said.

It said Tuskan led the members of the SADD chapter and Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) of Anderson County Youth Coalition to CHS’s repeat victory in this past January’s Red Ribbon Rivalry and continues to support the students in their efforts such as the “Will you stay sober with me?” prom campaign.

Anderson County Director of Schools Larry Foster said: “We were very pleased to hear the news of Ms. Tuskan being named National SADD Advisor of the Year. She is very deserving of such an honor. She has worked extremely hard with our students in Anderson County. Her commitment and dedication to substance abuse prevention is outstanding and she is always giving of her time. Her work is recognized throughout our system and is very much appreciated.”

Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981, SADD has grown to become the nation’s dominant peer-to-peer youth prevention organization with thousands of chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. In 1997, in response to requests from SADD students themselves, SADD expanded its mission and name, and now sponsors chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions.

The Clinton High School chapter has partnered with the ASAP Youth Coalition to take positive actions toward preventing and reducing substance abuse in Anderson County.

“ASAP is extremely proud of Mary’s achievement and thankful to have her as part of the ASAP Community Coalition and a leader for our youth,” said ASAP Project Coordinator Stacey Pratt.

Tuskan has been recognized for this national honor at many events, including the ASAP Community Coalition Meeting, Tennessee Teen Institute at Tennessee Tech University, the Anderson County School Board meeting, and the SADD National Conference in Washington, D.C.

“It was a huge honor to be awarded the SADD National Advisor of the year,” Tuskan said. “I am truly blessed to work with such good students at Clinton High School and have the support of the school and the ASAP coalition.”

For more information on how to become involved with SADD, the ASAP Youth Coalition, or the ASAP Community Coalition, call (865) 457-3007.