As teens become aware of the influences around them, this venerable organization hopes to filter out the bad from the good with Red Ribbon Week.
by Lauren Abrams
photo by Kevin Fleming
Every day when parents send their kids off to school, they can’t help but wonder what goes on while those children are not under parental supervision. Red Ribbon Week can give parents a sense of comfort in knowing that there are still organizations out there dedicated to keeping children informed about all the bad influences that are right under their noses.
Red Ribbon Week at TJ will take place from October 18 through the 26th. The Thomas Jefferson National Honor Society hosts the event, with teacher Eileen Adair at the helm. “I think it’s an important week of awareness and education about drug and alcohol use and abuse. It’s refreshing to see students join together to sign the pledge to be drug and alcohol-free,” said Adair.
“NHS members set up a booth during lunch at TJ and give bracelets, red ribbons, and other small items out, as well as giving the option of signing a pledge to be drug and alcohol free for the week. Overall, I think it’s a great cause that brings the community together,” said TJ Senior and NHS member Elie Reiss.
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in America, whose main purpose is to provide communities and individuals with a symbol of hope and dedication to America’s commitment towards drug prevention and education for our teens today.
Red Ribbon week also commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Enrique Camarena who died in Mexico at the hands of drug traffikers while he was trying to battle illegal drugs being exported to America. Ultimately, wearing the Red Ribbon is a way to pay homage to all men and women who have dedicated their lives and made sacrifices to defeat drug abuse.
Since the first Red Ribbon Week was organized in 1988, it has become an annual event that has informed millions of children about Camarena’s sacrifice, as well as help promote a drug-free America.
Although she is always there to help and guide the students, Adair expects them to take the majority of the responsibilities for this week into their own hands. “We expect that the students who sign the pledge will take it seriously and encourage their peers to do the same.”
In the past, Red Ribbon Week has always had a possitive influence on the students. “I personally feel like the school gets a little bit closer during Red Ribbon Week,” said TJ Junior Alex Clark.
