WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Inside Wiregrass High School in Wesley Chapel, a big honor was recently bestowed. 

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“Shaina, if you would, please raise your right hand and repeat after me," asked Rick Birt, President & CEO, SADD. “Congratulations Shaina you are now officially the SADD National President."

Shaina Finkel is not only her school's president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), but now she is the national president. 

It's a big honor and something that has made this past pandemic year better. 

“SADD actually gave kids an opportunity this year to get out of their house, and our members are amazing members. They were given the opportunity to go and be with their friends and socialize at volunteering events, because we were following all masks, social distancing, but they were able to be together," said Finkel. 

In just days, the new school year begins. For Finkel and her fellow classmates, SADD is top of mind. The pandemic, certainly not the priority but just something we live with now. 

“I am feeling surprisingly really good, because even with COVID, Shaina has made my first year of high school, as being a part of SADD, absolutely incredible," Serina Awadallah, Secretary Wiregrass High School SADD Chapter.

“It's one of those things. I am going to make the best of it, I am going to come on the first day and I am going to make the best of it," said Kelsey Strigler, VP Wiregrass High School SADD Chapter. 

As for masks, it's hard to say how students feel. 

“I have no idea. It’s just crazy, like everything changes. One day it’s like we should all wear them and the next day it’s like, well, don’t wear them. So then it’s like should I wear them or should I not wear them, I have not idea. I just like to fit in, so I am going to do what everyone else does," said Strigler. 

“It's something, it’s definitely something. But, we all understand that we are doing it to protect ourselves. And the fact that we can do what we came here to do and wear masks is not a big deal," said Awadallah. 

But way above anything COVID related, is what they want to accomplish for their education, community and SADD. 

Finkel said this year mental health is as a big focus, but that won't be all. 

"Everything that SADD focuses on, the alcohol, following the no use lifestyle, and being a safe driver for teens. We are getting our drivers licenses, we are learning to drive," said Finkel. 

Finkel will get to travel the country as part of her role as the national president.