SIRPHA is an acronym for Students In Rockbridge Promoting Healthy Alternatives. They are a group that offer other alternatives to bad habits such as alcohol, vaping, and smoking. 

“It’s main goal is to promote healthy alternatives that don’t include bad habits,” said Guidance Counselor and Club Sponsor Rhonda Pedigo. “It helps maintain a healthy student and school environment.”   

The goal is to help others break bad habits that are toxic for students, as well as improve personal health. Junior Katlyn Critchley joined SIRPHA because of her personal experience. 

“I joined because I’m passionate about prevention,” said Critchley. “Growing up, I experienced a lot of cases in which alcohol and drugs ruined the lives of close relatives. I felt as though joining SIRPHA would allow me to excel in preventing those cases.”

SIRPHA has partnered with Rockbridge Area Prevention Coalition, which also helps prevent drug and alcohol abuse. They partnered up for a march for Suicide Remembrance at Jordan’s Point on Sept. 14. 

“Students who are involved develop leadership skills,” said Pedigo. “They also work with community agencies that are within the coalition.” 

SIRPHA also holds meetings where they help discuss certain topics such as alcohol abuse and vaping addictions. SIRPHA’s goal is to help substitute bad habits with healthy alternatives. 

“We hold meetings where people can come and participate,” says Pedigo, “one of the things that we do every year is Project StickerShot, where we go to stores that sell alcohol and put warnings on them that say people can’t sell alcohol to underage persons.” 

SIRPHA plans to do more walks throughout the year, helping raise awareness for topics such as drinking, abuse, and drug use. 

“I love seeing the impact on Rockbridge County,” says Critchley. “It shows that we’re making progress.”