Students support drug free life

For the first time as a four year school, students are able to participate in the fight against drugs by dressing up and showing their support during Red Ribbon week. Red Ribbon week is a way to unite the community and students to take a visible stand against substance-abuse. Schools across the nation are participating in Red Ribbon week with differently themed days to shut out drugs.

The Red Ribbon Campaign began after the murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico City in 1985. The Red Ribbon became a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The campaign is dedicated to present a unified and visible commitment towards developing a drug free America.

“Red Ribbon Week is a tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against drugs as drug trafficking agents,” Student Council Sponsor Angela Arp said. “In addition, I see the effects drugs have on our students, their families and their futures. If we can do anything to heighten the awareness and education of the true effects of drug use to any student, I would consider it a success.”

Students enjoy dressing up silly for a good cause and hope that it makes a difference for someone on the wrong path. Student Council took the time to place informative posters around the school with the guidelines of dress code for the week.

“Seeing all the posters of people who have done drugs and what they used to look like before they began using to what they looked like after is definitely an eye opener,” senior Addie Gorsuch said. “I’ve never done drugs before and I don’t plan to, but seeing these pictures and facts around the school just makes me even stronger in my belief to stay drug free.”

The pressure of using drugs is around every corner and students believe that drug awareness should be made more serious.

“I think it’s incredibly important to raise awareness because even though people do drugs, there are still the impressionable freshmen and other kids that can be sucked in because they see others doing it,” senior Kacey Hunkins said. “They’re like wet cement; everything leaves an impression on them. At least Red Ribbon week gives them a fun take on taking the path less traveled by and not doing drugs.”

Student council members asked Principal Mike Williams to approve Red Ribbon week to give the students a week of fun dress and make them understand the severity of using drugs.

“I hope the students have taken the opportunities to see and read the signs, posters, images and facts that have been placed around the campus for Red Ribbon Week, and hopefully use these as motivation to lead a drug-free life,” Arp said. “Often times in today’s society, students are making mistakes that can forever alter the future direction of their lives. I hope this week will allow them the opportunity to see that not everyone is doing drugs, and that drugs do mess up lives.”