Red Ribbon Week at Borrego Springs Middle High School
Last updated 11/3/2017 at 1:19pm
At a young age, it is easy to be manipulated or peer pressured into doing things because it is "cool," when in reality, it's nothing. That was one of the statements made by principal Katherine Girvin at the Borrego Springs High School Red Ribbon Week assembly Oct. 23.
Students from both the middle and high school attended the assembly to kick off the week, in hopes of educating them about the importance of being drug-free, and what it means to try to live a healthy lifestyle.
"Better Things To Do Than Drugs" was the theme given to Borrego Springs High School for Red Ribbon Week this year.
The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23 – 31.
The week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign.
"We want to bring awareness to middle school and high school students about the impact of drug and alcohol usage; anything from prescription drugs to narcotics, it is just so imperative that the students understand not only the temporary effects, but the long-term as well," Girvin said. "Physical, emotional and mental effects, how can it affect their families, and how it can have a long-lasting negative effect on their lives, they need to know."
Girvin started the assembly with statistics of how many middle and high school students use drugs and alcohol, along with possible consequences. Many have no idea about the statistics and what it can do to them, Girvin stated.
Counselor Ryan Wikert followed by saying that the effects of drugs and alcohol are different for each individual.
To continue the spirit for the week, palm trees around campus were wrapped with red ribbons.
Students were also encouraged to wear all red for Red Out Day, Oct. 25 and many were creative in their attire, sporting funky red hats, shirts, to a weird style of shoe.
Creativity also took over doors at the school, with many different ideas and designs, creating something that symbolizes drug awareness.
Various photos of the doors were taken and submitted to the foundation.
The Red Ribbon foundation is offering $1,000 to the school who wins the photo contest, and Girvin hopes Borrego Springs wins.
The voting period for the photo contest begins Nov. 3 and ends Nov. 17.
*Full story can be found in the next issue of the Borrego Sun, Nov. 2, 2017.
