Helping Us Develop Dedication, Leadership, and Enthusiasm & STILL Huddle
The HUDDLE Program was developed by Lisa Roach, formerly of Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services of Medina County, Inc. (ADDS). The program was originally developed in 1989 in Fremont, Ohio as a result of the need to provide a low-cost prevention program to elementary and high school students district wide. HUDDLE does just that. While it gives the elementary student (4th grade) positive role models to whom to look up to, it also gives tobacco, alcohol, and other drug-free high school students a leadership opportunity. Many HUDDLE/SHUDDLE leaders have used it as an excuse to “get out of” peer pressure situations which they sometimes face with their peers. The program has existed at Medina High School since 1993.
HUDDLE has undergone tremendous growth over the years due to strong interest shown by the high school students. Several years ago the program was expanded to St. Frances Xavier School. Then in 2002 a major expansion took place with the development of SHUDDLE. Again because so many fantastic high school leaders were interested in being a part of this program, we were able to offer STILL Helping Us Develop Dedication, Leadership and Enthusiasm to our district’s 6th grade students. In 2003, SHUDDLE expanded to St. Francis Xavier School. In 2010, Shuddle was moved to MCS's 5th grades (remains 6th grade at St. Francis).
HUDDLE/SHUDDLE continue to evolve. Both are evaluated monthly and annually by teachers, students, teen leaders, and parents to keep the program up to date and meeting the needs of our young people.
Currently there are 54 HUDDLE leaders and 62 SHUDDLE leaders providing postive role models and important lifestyle lessons to 23 4th grade and 26 5th grade classrooms throughout the Medina City School District and St. Francis Xavier School.
For questions regarding HUDDLE or SHUDDLE call Cathy Lasher (330-636-3223) at Medina High School.
