The DMAE Teen Prevention Education Program (PEP) is a course that aims to combat the ignorance that often accompanies sexual health. Taught by juniors and seniors, freshmen are educated on how to prevent teen pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. This is the third year the program has been established by  Liz Corsini, organizer for Teen PEP.

“I saw the Tenafly high school do this program and thought it was a good idea,” Ms Liz recalled, “So I did some research and was awarded with a grant from the Center for Supportive Schools to start Teen PEP,” she said.

Maria Buckley and Jendi Johnny, advisors for Teen PEP, were motivated to help students understand

I hope to see students be safe when in engaging in sexual activity and to notify students that not every teen is having sex.

what sex is and how to prevent it. By working on the program, they hope to not only help Ms. Liz, but also clear any misconceptions about sex in teens.

“I hope to see students be safe when in engaging in sexual activity and to notify students that not every teen is having sex.” Ms. Jendi reasoned.

Ms. Liz, along with the advisors of Teen PEP and school administration, went on to open the interviews to juniors and seniors, with a select few sophomores and freshmen, to be a part of the Teen PEP experience. This year, there are 10

We hope next year to strengthen the program to do more off site training and team building in places such as the middle school

students part of the Teen PEP activity, with a mix of students from all grade levels. The Teen PEP program does 8 health workshops per school year.

“Students already show a tremendous amount of dedication when applying to Teen PEP,” Ms. Jendi explained, “They go a vigorous interview process which includes and application, essay, an individual interview and group interview.” she said.

Many students also gained from their experience at Teen PEP. The club members would practice skits given to them

I once had to be Condom Man for a skit and had to put a fake condom on my head.

by teachers that were already approved by the national Teen PEP organization..

“You learn a lot about sexually diseases and how to prevent them.” said Dusean Morillo, a sophomore member of Teen PEP.

The members used these skits to also talk practicing safe sex and other appropriate topics. Humor also plays a factor as they keep the interest of the students long enough to learn about the message the club is trying to present.

”I once had to be Condom Man for a skit and had to put a fake condom on my head,” recalled Eddie Jeffery, first year member of Teen PEP.

This year, the DMAE Teen PEP is part of a national program to measure the impact the club has in the community. This may imply changes in the club whether the results are positive or negative. While the outcome has not been revealed yet, Ms. Liz is already looking into expanding the Teen PEP organization even further.

“We hope next year to strengthen the program to do more off site training and team building in places such as the middle school,” Ms. Liz said.

The DMAE Teen PEP, while a recent program, is already a major part of the school’s curriculum. As more and more students learn about sexual education, the less likely sexually transmitted diseases could happen. As this program gains traction, students could use Teen PEP as a learning experience and as a PSA about practicing good habits during sexual activity.