Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug dangers

Oct. 25—Local schools returned from fall break and began celebrating Red Ribbon Week, an annual event to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use.

Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign, runs annually through Oct. 23-31.

During the week, lessons about drug use are shared in classrooms and students also have opportunities to express themselves and share their own drug free messages by creating posters, writing essays and taking pictures.

Nikki Malott, of Stand Up Cass County, said one of the major goals of the week is to get adults talking to children about drugs.

"That's the main purpose of the whole week, just talking to your kids about drugs and staying safe," she said.

Malott credited Lewis Cass schools for its enthusiasm in supporting Red Ribbon Week.

"Lewis Cass goes all out," she said. "I was there yesterday and they have red ribbons tied all around the school."

Along with having days designated for certain types of clothing (like a "too bright for drugs" day where the students are encouraged to wear bright clothing), Lewis Cass sells Red Ribbon Week bracelets as a fundraiser and students can vote to turn a teacher into a sundae.

On Friday afternoon, the teacher that is chosen will have the pleasure of students dumping ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate on them.

While there is a lot of fun involved, Malott said it's important to get young people to think about why they should stay drug free.

Many children are learning first hand why they want to be drug free.

"The essays that they write, there were a couple last year that talked about how drugs have already impacted their lives in sixth and seventh grade," Malott said. "They were so wise beyond their years. You really see from their point of view like 'I've seen what drugs do to family and friends and I don't want to do that.'"

The week started with an official proclamation from Logansport mayor Chris Martin declaring Oct. 23-31 Red Ribbon Week.

On Saturday, students who are selected for creating the best posters, essays and photos will be invited to a breakfast where they will receive certificates and other items acknowledging their efforts.

Winners will be selected by members of Cass Pulaski Community Corrections.

Red Ribbon Week was created in honor of DEA agent Enrique Camarena. Camarena was investigating a major drug operation in Mexico in 1985 when he was kidnapped while driving with his wife to a luncheon. His body was found a month later.

The origins of Red Ribbon Week began in Camarena's hometown of Calexico, California. Students would wear red ribbons and pledge to live a drug free life.

Red Ribbon Week is locally sponsored by Partners for a Drug Free Cass County and Stand Up Cass County.