Red Ribbon Week

Do you know what Red Ribbon Week is? If you don't, Red Ribbon Week is an annual alcohol, tobacco, drug, and violence prevention campaign that takes place every October  in the United States. We wear red ribbons or bracelets during Red Ribbon Week to honor the legacy of DEA agent Enrique ‘Kiki’  Camarena, who was killed in the line of duty while investigating drug traffickers. Wearing red is a pledge to remain drug-free and a symbol of commitment to alcohol and drug prevention in the community. Today, Red Ribbon Week has become the nation's largest drug prevention awareness program. I personally think that celebrating Red Ribbon week is important especially in middle schools and high school because it reinforces positive peer culture, educates students on the dangers of substance abuse, and empowers them to make healthy choices for their future. 

At Brea Junior High School, this is how we will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week:

• Monday: ‘’Bee Smart’’ 7th graders wear yellow and 8th graders wear black. For Red Ribbon Week, the phrase "Bee Smart" is a pun that stands for "Be Smart, Don't Start." The "bee" theme is a family-friendly way to encourage students to not do drugs and make healthy choices.

• Tuesday: ‘’Use Your Head’’ wear a hat or crazy hair day.  "Use your head" means to think and make smart choices about the decision of drugs and alcohol  .

• Wednesday: Wear red. Wearing red during Red Ribbon Week symbolizes a commitment to living a drug-free life and honors those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against drug abuse

• Thursday: ‘’Your Future is Bright!’’ Wear college gear!  "Your future is bright" emphasizes that staying drug-free is the key to a healthy, successful, and promising life. By making positive choices, young people can achieve their goals and reach their full potential.  

• Friday: “Say Boo to Drugs!’’ Wear your Halloween costume or you could wear orange and black instead!

We will also be celebrating Red Ribbon Week by passing out red bracelets. Red bracelets and wristbands symbolize a pledge to live a drug free and healthy lifestyle. The tradition began after Camarena's death when his friends and family wore red ribbons to honor his memory and commitment to fighting illegal drugs. We also tied red ribbons around poles in between classes and hung up posters around campus of the spirit days we have this week. We love celebrating by having spirit day every day of Red Ribbon Week and all the spirit gear ties back to not doing drugs and making healthy decisions for your future. On Monday, the first day of Red Ribbon Week, every 7th and 8th grade English teacher played a video about not doing drugs and not submitting to peer pressure. Then, on October 30th at the pickup/drop off area, Mr. Lamp held up a poster that said “Pugs Not Drugs” and he had his own pug on his back. He even let students pet the dog! The quote ‘’Pugs Not Drugs’’  encourages choosing the love and companionship of pugs (or any pets) and to enjoy life over the dangers of drug use.

It is important to resist peer pressure after Red Ribbon Week. This is because when Red Ribbon Week ends, doing so upholds the week's core message of living a healthy, drug-free life. Peer pressure, which can lead to drug use, directly conflicts with the campaign's goals of raising awareness and empowering individuals to make safe and healthy decisions. To resist peer pressure, you can try to simply say no, have an exit strategy for uncomfortable situations, suggest other activities, surround yourself with  friends who don't drink or do drugs, and remember your personal goals or turn the pressure back on the other person by asking why they are pressuring you. 

In conclusion, we had tons of fun celebrating Red Ribbon Week at BJH and I hope you did, too. We got to do many things like learning about Red Ribbon Week and the dangers of drugs on our own time and in class. We got to dress up for spirit days and wear our bracelets that say “Drug Use is Life Abuse.” We all hope you will choose to make healthy choices in the future when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

Written By: Kathalena Navarro

Edited By: Kairi Tang