By Sophia Gerl
The topic of our spirit week right now is “Red Ribbon”.
Everyone dresses up for the daily theme and has fun. But what is it really about?
Red Ribbon Week underscores the importance of a drug-free life. It offers parents, educators, and communities the opportunity to reinforce the drug-free messages they pass on to their children throughout the year. During Red Ribbon Week, youth and adults across the country pledge to expand their knowledge by learning more about the devastating effects of drug abuse, including prescription drug abuse, and renewing their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Red Ribbon is an American campaign against drug use. It is the largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign in the nation.
The topic is also reflected in our theme days:
Monday: stop drugs – wear red,
Tuesday: pair up against drugs – twin day,
Wednesday: Peace out to drugs – tie-dye,
Thursday: Don’t sleep on the effects of drugs – Pajama Day,
Friday: Don’t get mixed up with drugs – mixed match
The campaigns were set up by concerned parents who were determined to make a difference in the drug problems that mainly affect young people. They couldn’t watch their kids destroying their lives anymore, so they decided to start this campaign 30 years ago. They wanted to reach the goal of raising young people to be as drug-free as possible in order to reach their full potential in life.
In 1985, a DEA agent, Enrique Camarena, was killed in an assassination. In response to the event, angry parents and young people in communities across the country began to wear red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raising awareness of drug-induced killing and destruction in America.
This event is still used today to show young people the bad consequences that can happen when they take drugs. Red Ribbon Week is held from October 23rd to 31st to draw the attention of society to the issue and promote the prevention of taking drugs.
Take care!
beniciapaw.com 