Empowered Student Partnerships (ESP)
Polly Leung, Staff Reporter
Empowered Student Partnerships, or ESP, works with the York Region Police with the goal of making the school a safer environment. What is their vision? According to Philip J., the club's Vice President, ESP works to create a school environment that is more inclusive and more connected, with
York Regional Police's R.I.D.E vehicle in support of Reduce Impair Driving Everywhere (R.I.D.E) program
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an all-around awareness of the importance of the respect towards themselves and others. Last month’s limelight was on ESP with Drug Awareness Week (DAW) being widely promoted throughout the school during the final week of November. They had many ideas and events that they ran throughout the week, each bringing awareness to the students about drug abuse and the consequences of not knowing the effects drugs can have. Walking into the cafeteria, you would see their table set up, bubbly drinks for sale (non-alcoholic of course), their members boldly promoting the important cause. All the profits that were earned went towards MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Dri-
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ving). That same week, ESP held a presentation for the students in grade 11 and 12. Aiming to target the students who had or would be getting their licenses soon, they invited a speaker in to encourage kids to make good decisions in situations involving drinking and driving. Emotionally charged videos of families who lost their loved ones due to another’s mistake in drinking and driving were shown, and many tears were shed that day. ESP has done an amazing job so far, promoting crucial messages to the student body. The future has much in store for the school with an Inclusivity Week in March which will focus on racism, sexism, bullying and much more, and following that, a possible Mental Health Week.
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