Stanley Schools Kicks Off Red Ribbon Week
By Erika Littlefield, MCP Intern
Last Friday, Stanley High School kicked off Red Ribbon Week with a spirited talent show, marking the start of the annual campaign to promote a drug-free lifestyle. The event showcased the talents of many brave students who sang, played instruments, and shared important facts about the dangers of drug use. A panel of judges, comprised of respected community members, evaluated the performances and awarded prizes to the top three acts.
Third place went to senior Rhiannon Freeman, who captivated the audience with her strong, passionate voice. The second-place prize was claimed by a trio of eighth-grade singers—Amelia Jackson, Avalynn Lager, and Lacey Myers—whose performance showcased their impressive vocal harmony. Taking the top spot were Ricky Moreno and Cheryl Demafiles-Abalos, who delivered a stunning duet of the Disney classic, “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.
Meanwhile, Stanley Elementary School began their Red Ribbon Week activities on Monday, with the Student Council leading a series of “Drug-Free Relay Races.” Each Student Council member, along with the School Resource Officer, spoke about their commitment to staying drugfree before guiding the younger students through a variety of fun and engaging relay races designed to promote a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. The elementary students are also participating in a coloring contest as part of the week’s events.
Throughout the week, both schools are participating in themed dress-up days to spread the antidrug message. On Monday, high school students walked the “Red Carpet” dressed in their finest clothes to kick off the week with a “You’re a STAR” theme. Elementary students showed their support by wearing red for “Are You RED-Y for Red Ribbon Week.”
Tuesday saw students “Team Up Against Drugs and Alcohol” by donning their favorite team jerseys. Wednesday’s theme was “Wake Up Drug and Alcohol Free,” with everyone wearing comfy pajamas to school. Thursday offered a festive atmosphere, with high schoolers dressing in Halloween costumes for “Say BOO! to Drugs and Alcohol,” while elementary students showed school spirit or camo for “Be All That You Can Be.” The week concludes on Friday with a role reversal: high schoolers will wear camo or Blue Jay gear for “Be All That You Can Be,” and elementary students will wrap up the celebration by dressing in their Halloween costumes for “Say BOO! to Drugs and Alcohol.”
Red Ribbon Week, observed annually from October 23-31, is the nation’s largest and longest running substance abuse prevention campaign. Since its inception in 1985, it has reached millions of people worldwide. This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free,” encourages students to take the lead in their own lives and commit to making healthy choices.
High school counselor Sarah Sorenson shared her thoughts on the significance of Red Ribbon Week, “It inspires everyone to be the best main character in their life, living that life to the fullest, and playing their part in fostering safe, healthy, and drug-free communities. Red Ribbon Week is especially important to me because it builds awareness around the dangers of drugs and alcohol. I’ve seen firsthand how substance abuse can devastate lives or even end them. My hope is that students realize there are so many better ways to cope than turning to drugs or alcohol.”
All week, students are encouraged to wear their red ribbons as a symbol of their stand against drug and alcohol use, in hopes of inspiring others and potentially saving lives.