Bloom anti-drug group honored

Success is snowballing for an alcohol and drug prevention program in Bloom Township High School District 206.
The Operation Snowball organization used by the school district has been recognized as the chapter of the year, finishing ahead of more than 130 units in three states.

Operation Snowball is a regional prevention program focusing on leadership development to empower youth to lead drug-free lives. The program is sponsored by the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.

District 206 has run the program for 11 years, but this marks the first time the program has been recognized by the parent organization, said Tim Nelson, co-director of the program at Bloom Trail.

There are more than 40 students from Bloom and Bloom Trail high schools involved in the program, which has one weekend retreat a year, Nelson said.

In addition to the retreat, the group sponsors fundraisers for community groups, hosts prevention programs called Snowflakes at its feeder schools, plans Red Ribbon Week activities for the district and hosts drug- and alcohol-free events for the schools, Nelson said.

Winning the award meant a lot to the group, he said.

"It means the kids are doing something right," Nelson said. "They are out there in the community helping their fellow man.

"All of the decisions of this group are based on the students. That's where the credit for this recognition should go."

There are more than 130 Snowball chapters in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, according to Mary Jo Peavy, prevention coordinator with the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.

In order to be considered for the award, a chapter must be nominated and must show "a continuing support network for its members year round by hosting events and activities throughout the school year," according to the Operation Snowball Web site.

"An outstanding chapter supports a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle by asking all those members, youth and adult, to sign a drug and alcohol-free pledge. Outstanding chapters spread the drug and alcohol prevention message by being involved in community activities."

Peavy said the District 206 chapter has strong leadership and is worthy of the award.

"They do a great job with a lot of community service and year-round activities," Peavy said. "They really do keep busy."

Sean Johnson, a junior at Bloom Trail, said he's proud to be a part of the program, especially when the group hosts Snowflakes at the feeder schools.

"We get the opportunity to go into the schools and tell the young kids about what is going on in the world," Johnson said. "They may think that everybody is smoking or drinking, but that's not the case.

"We are there to show them that a better world really is out there."