Luke White, member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) National Student Leadership Council, relocated to Houston this year from Vermont. He started a SADD chapter at his new school, Cypress Creek High School, and participated in a Wake-Up Rally in November intended to inform parents about the risk that marijuana poses to their kids.

Luke is a member of the debate team and the newspaper staff. He also plays trombone for the school's symphonic band and cello for the string orchestra. He received awards for "Outstanding Debater" and "Outstanding Musician" and was a gold medalist in the 2001 state science fair. Luke participated in the juniors bowling league, was a member of the basketball team for three years, and played b-ball for the Immaculate Heart of Mary basketball team. He also served as an intern for Senator Jeffords and as a Student Commissioner for the Rutland City School Board.

Freevibe had the opportunity to interview this well-rounded scholar-athlete-volunteer.

FREEVIBE: What made you want to participate in the anti-pot Wake-Up Rally?

LUKE: I felt it was a great opportunity to actually do something to educate people about the dangers of marijuana. I, like a lot of other teens, have something to say. This was my outlet to say it.

FREEVIBE: Why was this event important to you as a teenager and a high school student?

LUKE: I see firsthand the perspectives of students in my school about marijuana. I saw this as a way to show them where they were wrong and why.

FREEVIBE: Why, specifically is it important to educate parents?

LUKE: Parents have one of the most significant impacts on the way their children see the world. It is important that we pass along this information so that they are able to do the same with their kids. In order for us to successfully educate teens, we have to start at the source of their information which in most cases is the parent.