Dressember Campaign!

Hello friends! I am very excited to share with you about the Dressember Campaign I will be participating in and how you can be a part of combating human trafficking.

About
The Dressember Foundation uses fashion to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. In 2009, founder Blythe Hill was just a college girl who wanted to create a personal style challenge by wearing a dress every day during the month of December. A huge hit, her idea spread like wildfire and the possibilities seemed endless for where Dressember could go. In 2013, Hill began to give Dressember a purpose by partnering with International Justice Mission to raise money for anti-trafficking. In the year of 2014, Dressember raised $465,000 with 2,600 participants. Their message is continuing to reach others and a global movement is underway. (Facts from Dressember Website; dressember.org)

Dressember + You
You can help support my platform and the Dressember Foundation by:

1. Participating in the Dressember Campaign by creating a page, raising money, and wearing a dress every day during the month of December.

2. Donate money to my Dressember page here.

3. Purchase the Dressember Dress of 2015 here.

4. Promote Dressember on social media! Use the hashtag #DressemberKS so we can see the difference Kansans are making!!

Thank you for your support of me, Dressember, and the fight for justice against human trafficking!

With love,
Paige

Presentation at Hesston Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday November 19th, I had the opportunity to present at the Hesston Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. I spoke to the audience of roughly 30 members about the Miss Kansas' Outstanding Teen Organization as well as my platform: Broken Chains, Hope Remains: End Sex Trafficking. It was my first presentation and provided me with great opportunities to connect with members who are invested in and passionate about bettering our community, just like me. Thank you to the Hesston Chamber for having me!

You can view my presentation here :)

Red Ribbon Week

We celebrated Red Ribbon Week at our school this year during October 23-31! This year's theme was "Shading Out Drugs." The Red Ribbon campaign, which promotes a drug-free lifestyle, has been celebrated in our school district every year for as long as I can remember. I have special memories about these festivities from the time I was six to sixteen, and this is likely the case for any student who attends Hesston at any point in their lives.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership began the Red Ribbon campaign in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena. Millions of Americans were outraged by the violence caused by illegal drugs, and wore red ribbons in support of Officer Camarena and others who fight against the drug industry.

Each school in our district has a special way that they take part in the Red Ribbon activities. Every student and staff member receives a red ribbon that they are encouraged to pin on their shirts throughout the week. Elementary school students are invited to punch and cookies at the town hall with the EMS Department. In the middle school, each Reach for Success group makes a poster in the shape of a ribbon about drug-free activities. High school group Friends of Rachel group decorates the schools as well as main street with red streamers. 

On Friday at the end of the week, all three schools come together for one big pep rally. The cheerleaders re-worded a cheer to fit the theme. The words are:

"If you're drug free, and you're proud, stand up! Shade 'em out. Drug free! Drug free!

If you're drug free, and you're proud, stand up! Shade 'em out. Shade 'em out! Shade 'em out!"

To watch the pep rally, click here!