Last week, CVMS celebrated Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign dedicated to promoting healthy choices, preventing drug and alcohol use, and encouraging students to make decisions that protected their health and their future.
Red Ribbon Week began in memory of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration special agent who was kidnapped and murdered in 1985 while serving his country in Mexico. In his honor, communities across the nation began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to preventing drug abuse. Today, Red Ribbon Week continues to inspire schools and communities to educate young people about the importance of living drug-free.
This year’s theme, “Make A Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free!” reminded students that being a hero wasn’t about having superpowers. It was about having the courage to make healthy choices, resisting peer pressure, supporting friends, and recognizing that the decisions we make today can shape our futures.
Throughout the week, CVMS students participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to reinforce this important message. The week’s activities were organized by our awesome Social Worker, Dawn Dorcas, in collaboration with students and staff. Students also showed their spirit and enthusiasm through themed dress-up days.
Education and student involvement were at the heart of our celebration. Health classes explored the dangers of drugs and alcohol, while students had opportunities to participate in poster and essay contests centered on this year’s theme. During lunch periods, students signed a Red Ribbon pledge and contributed to schoolwide murals celebrating healthy, drug-free lifestyles. These collaborative projects highlighted the many positive activities, interests, and opportunities students could enjoy while making healthy choices.
CVMS also promoted the importance of getting involved in positive school activities through our “Do Clubs, Not Drugs” Activity Fair, where students learned about the clubs and extracurricular opportunities available to them. Additional activities included Drug and Alcohol Jeopardy, student-led drug-free messages through morning announcements, and opportunities to share prevention messages with the school community.
We were grateful for the support of our student leaders, including members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), as well as our community partners who helped reinforce the importance of making informed, healthy decisions. Ashley Nelson, ADAC IMPACT Prevention Specialist, and Alayne Eisloeffel of the Tri-County Prevention Coalition joined us to share prevention resources and information with students.
Our goal throughout the week was to remind every student that they have the power to make choices that support their well-being, strengthen their relationships, and open doors to future opportunities. Red Ribbon Week served as an important reminder that living drug-free is not just a message for one week; it is a commitment to making positive choices every day.
At CVMS, heroes make healthy choices, stand up for what is right, and look out for one another. Be strong. Be smart. Be a hero. And stay drug-free!
