On the morning of Tuesday, August 8, 2023, a press conference was held in the Whitehall High School’s auditorium to recognize Louis Pratt as SADD’s National Leadership Council President (NLCP) for the 2023-2024 school year, with his duties begnning August 1, 2023.
Pratt is a class of 2023 Whitehall graduate, where he served as a member and president of Whitehall High School’s SADD chapter, New York SADD SLC, and the Textless Live More management board for three years, and as a member of SADD National SLC, 2021-2023. Pratt was selected from a competitive pool of highly qualified applicants. He holds the distinction of being the first NLCP to be selected from New York state, and will lead and represent thousands of active SADD students from across the country.
Opening remarks were made by Whitehall’s Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ethan Burgess, who expressed the pride shared by the school and community of having a graduate from a small town selected to lead a nationwide organization. Lauren Zimmerman-Meade, Director of Field Engagement for SADD and New York State’s SADD representative stated, “We have worked with many students for over forty years, and Louis is one of the best. He has been an incredible supporter to his peers at the state and national levels since starting Whitehall’s SADD chapter in his sophomore year, and quickly developed his leadership and advocacy skills and motivating his peers to create real change. Louis is the type of student leader we love to see, and we know he will continue to inspire his peers to make safe and smart choices in the present and future.”
The NLCP duties includes leading the National Student Leadership Council and advises the SADD national board of directors on policies and program. Pratt will contribute strategic planning to the organization on health and safety priorities, and will serve as a national and regional representative of the SADD network.
Pratt stated, “I am honored to represent and organization that truly saves lives. I have called SADD my second home for a long time, and I am excited to see what change I can make in the next year.”
In addition to being joined by school administrators, family, and New York State Troopers, Pratt was congratulated and recognized by Legislative Director Jon Alexander, representing Senator Dan Stec’s office; Gillian Knight, Prevention Educator for the Council for Prevention; Washington County Undersheriff John Winchell, who is also the Washington County STOP DWI Coordinator, and the Warren/Washington County Victim Impact Coordinator.
In the fall Pratt will attend Ithaca College to pursue a degree in integrated marketing communications.
CONGRATULATIONS LOUIS!
