Wiregrass Ranch High Student Named National SADD President

LAND O' LAKES, FL — Wiregrass Ranch High School student Shaina Finkel has been named the SADD National Student President for the 2021-22 school year. In the national leadership role, the rising senior will represent the more than 400,000 students who are active in Students Against Destructive Decisions.

"Shaina's passion and commitment to issues facing students today make her the ideal candidate to be SADD's next national president," said Rick Birt, SADD president and CEO. "Her experiences on the local, state and national levels will empower Shaina to play a critical role in leading the organization to address the emerging and constant health and safety challenges.”

The national president leads the Student Leadership Council and advises the SADD National Board of Directors on policies, programs and priorities. Finkel will provide strategic direction to the organization on health and safety outcomes and serve as a national and regional representation of the SADD network.

At Wiregrass Ranch High School, Finkel is an active volunteer, student leader, National Honor Society member and an AP Student of the Year. She has coordinated and led various volunteer projects while serving as president of her school's local SADD chapter.

"Being involved in SADD allows me to be part of something bigger than myself,” Finkel said. “SADD empowers all students everywhere to engage and mobilize one another to make our schools, communities and beyond a safer and happier place for all individuals. I look forward to serving as the national president and working with SADD students across the country to make an impact."

“We are proud of Shaina in taking on this leadership role, especially around the important topics represented by SADD,” said Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools. “Shaina is a role model for others in showing that young students can make a difference in their community and nationally.”

Finkel was officially sworn in Wednesday at a ceremony that included state and national leaders at Wiregrass Ranch High School. The full ceremony can be found on SADD's Facebook page.