The SAVE Jackson Middle School SAVE Chapter was recognized by the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) for their work and efforts in preventing school violence. The 2008-2009 National SAVE Chapter of the Year Award was awarded to the Jackson Middle School SAVE Chapter for outstanding performance and lasting contributions to the school, community, and students and for exemplifying the ideals of SAVE. Jackson’s award was presented on May 8, 2009 at Jackson Middle School by Dr. Pamela Riley, Executive Director of SAVE. “The Jackson Middle School SAVE Chapter, now in its thirteenth year, embodies the ideals of SAVE and is a model for SAVE chapters everywhere. SAVE’s vision is for all students to be able to attend schools that are safe and secure, free of fear, and conducive to learning,” stated Dr. Riley. As more students join SAVE chapters all across the country, we are moving closer to making our vision for safer schools a reality.” The Jackson Middle School SAVE chapter members are having a productive school year. They coordinated and hosted a SAVE Dance. While students attended the dance, parents attended a Violence Prevention Parent Workshop. More than 185 students attended the dance and 834 cans of food were collected for the needy at this event. During America’s Safe School Week in October, the chapter hosted a nonviolence pledge and poetry contest. SAVE students participated in the High Point Student Human Relations Day where they attended workshops on preventing hate. SAVE students hosted lunch and learned from activities. SAVE students manned tables during lunch distributing information and answering questions regarding drugs and alcohol. SAVE students also participated in a panel discussion focusing on dating violence. The SAVE chapter reached out to a neighboring elementary school and presented a program on bullying prevention. The SAVE chapter conducted numerous service projects this year including collecting over 400 books for a children’s literacy project. SAVE students assisted in raising over $3000 for juvenile diabetes research by walking in a community event. They adopted a family for Thanksgiving and collected toiletries for Christmas giving. The students participated in a Safe and Drug Free Schools initiative that called for the students to plant bulbs on the school’s campus and monitor their growth throughout the spring. SAVE member Alasha Coleman stated, “I had a positive experience participating in SAVE. I was getting into a lot of trouble before getting involved with SAVE. I learned that violence is not the right way to go. I believe that I am learning how to prepare me for life. Thanks to the SAVE Club and Mr. Pemberton, I am getting prepared to meet the challenges in high school.” Mr. Keith G. Pemberton, Jackson Middle School SAVE Advisor, also received an honorable mention as National SAVE Advisor of the Year.

National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere SAVE: Youth Voices... Grown-Up Choices! Toll Free 866-343-SAVE For more information contact cwray@nationalsave.org   /   Copyright 2012