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!