Saving Lives: The Circle of Trust Chapter of the Gordie Foundation

Robbie Scott
Deerfield Academy 09', Deerfield MA
Clemmons, NC

This year I’ve been involved with the Gordie Foundation, and through the Foundation, I am leading a movement at my high school to start a peer-supporting-peer alcohol awareness Chapter referred to as The Circle of Trust. The Gordie Foundation describes its mission as providing “today’s young people with the skills to navigate the dangers of alcohol, binge drinking, peer pressure, and hazing”. The Foundation was formed in memory of an 18-year-old ‘04 Deerfield Academy graduate who tragically died in his first semester at the University of Colorado due to alcohol poisoning during fraternity hazing. His name was Gordie Bailey. As a Deerfield student myself, I was affected by his story.

I encourage everyone to learn more about Gordie and the Foundation at www.gordie.org. On the website, there is information about Gordie’s life, the risks of alcohol use, and ways you can help spread Gordie’s story. The Foundation offers programs, merchandise, speakers, a new documentary, and distributes educational material nationwide. I hope all students in college or getting ready to enter their first year of college will not only look at the website, but also research the Circle of Trust Chapters across the country. We at Deerfield Academy are in the process of starting one, and close to one hundred colleges in the country already have established these Chapters. You don’t have to be in a Circle of Trust, however, to support the Foundation. Just by knowing and sharing Gordie’s story, it is possible for you to help save lives.

The Gordie Foundation is hosting its first-annual “National GORDIEday” on October 22, 2008. You can join with thousands of students across the country to help raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse and hazing.