Added on November 10, 2014 Sara Swanson

Manchester Teens Participate in Red Ribbon Week

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photo courtesy of Lindsay Hannah

You may have noticed evidence of Red Ribbon Week around Manchester. For the second year in a row, from October 23 to the 31st, downtown Manchester was decorated with red ribbon twisted around the trees and informational signs explaining what Red Ribbon Week’s mission, to encourage individuals and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs through the symbol of the Red Ribbon. Additionally, Students Leading Students placed containers of free red ribbons on local business checkout counters for patrons to take.

At the High School during designated class periods teachers shared with students the purpose of Red Ribbon Week and had them do a brief activity. Teachers explained that self-esteem is often connected with a person’s risk for using substances. If someone has high self-esteem it is less likely they will succumb to peer pressure because they feel confident in themselves and secure in their relationships. Students were then asked to take a moment to write down one thing that they feel they are good at or like about themselves. Responses were posted on the wall near the guidance counselor student entrance. MHS student Alexa Moore shared her feelings about the high school activity, “my thoughts on the Red Ribbon Week theme throughout the school is very optimistic. I thought it drew away from all the insecurities teens may have, forcing them to consider the good aspects of themselves. Removing all the stress and insecurity can actually lower the risk of drug use among teens.”

Manchester Voices members at the Middle School participated in what was called “Red Ribbon Shock” during the Homecoming Football game. Members tied red ribbons onto cars parked outside the game and left informational slips of paper on windshields. Additionally, middle school members were given Red Ribbon Support Packs that included drawstring bags with the Red Ribbon Pledge and a place to sign their name to wear during red ribbon week (and all year), red ribbons, stickers, temporary tattoos, Manchester Voices pins, and tumblers. Furthermore, the entire Middle School participated in a #hashtag contest to come up with a Red Ribbon-themed hashtag. The winning hashtag was displayed on silicone bracelets and given to every student in the school during Mix It Up Lunch. Mrs. Huber-Stein (Middle School counselor) reported that “ the Red Ribbon week campaign allowed us to enhance a positive school climate. Many students proudly wore their Red Ribbons all week to encourage each other to make smart choices.

Check out the YouTube videos of the activities of the high school HERE and the middle school HERE.

photo courtesy of Lindsay Hannah

Adults and youth are encouraged to take the Red Ribbon Pledge:

As parents and citizens, we will talk to our children and the children in our lives about the dangers of drug abuse. We will set clear rules for our children about not using drugs. We will set a good example for our children by not using illegal drugs or medicine without a prescription. We will monitor our children’s behavior and enforce appropriate consequences, so that our rules are respected. We will encourage family and friends to follow the same guidelines to keep children safe from substance abuse.

Manchester Voices and Students Leading Students worked hard to promote the Red Ribbon Campaign during the month of October. The Red Ribbon Campaign or “Red Ribbon Week” takes places each year October 23 – 31st. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to encourage individuals and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs through the symbol of the Red Ribbon. The origin of the Red Ribbon Campaign came as a result of the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985 by drug traffickers in Mexico City. Agent Camarena strongly believed that one person could make a difference. Family and loved ones of Agent Camarena struck out to honor his memory and his mission and began the Red Ribbon Campaign. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG – FREE AMERICA.