NORWICH – A group of four Norwich High School students addressed the Board of Education Monday as part of the new focus on students, academics and finances for the 2011-2012 school year.

The students – Gabby Blenis, Taylor Hagenbuch, Pat Taylor and Logan Thompson – represent just a small number of those involved with the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and YES! LEADS programs, dedicated to teaching positive leadership and role model skills, as well as the importance of students staying alcohol, drug and tobacco free.

The student organization has grown in recent years, according to NCSD School Social Worker Kelly Collins-Colosi, and now includes a total of 75 students across all high school grade levels.

This year, in addition to a number of annual events such as its one-day training and team-building seminar, monthly meetings and sponsoring drug and alcohol free after-prom activities, the group has turned its attention to the district’s elementary schools, encouraging younger students to stay away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco.