Red Ribbon Week (RRW) is a well-known event that takes place across the nation. National Family Partnership sponsors the National Red Ribbon Week and has been since 1985. The 2019 RRW theme was “Send a message. Stay Drug Free.”  

 

According to the RRW website, “The theme is also a reminder that by staying drug free, you are sending a message to yourself and others about how much you value yourself, your overall health, your community and your future.” Schools all over, including Campobello-Gramling School, took part in this weeklong activity, this past week. 

 

Schools are encouraged to set out a week of the school year where students can learn about staying healthy and making good life choices. Schools take this week of learning and turn it into a week of more than understanding drug prevention, CGS also taught their students the importance of being kind to everyone. 

 

Faculty and staff make RRW a fun environment so that kids are able to enjoy learning.

 

CGS Guidance Counselor, Stephanie Stiltner commented on the importance of RRW and said, “I think it is important to take advantage of any program that helps students make good choices. Educators have the opportunity to make an impact on students’ choices and participation in Red Ribbon Week activities helps to model a healthy way of living.” 

 

For CGS, students had a dress up itinerary for each day. The students were allowed to choose whether they would participate or not but most all did. Students had the opportunity to be superheroes, favorite teams, and everyone’s pick, dress up as wacky and as tacky as you can day. Each day is a way for students to be reminded how important is to fight against drug use and bad choices. 

 

Red Ribbon week is America’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign and reaches over eighty million people throughout the nation each year. The RRW organization gives an opportunity to students each year to come up with the upcoming years theme in order to encourage students not to forget the importance of remaining drug free. 

 

Campobello-Gramling students pose with McGruff The Crive Dog after learning about being kind (Photo credit Spartanburg District 1) 

By Carson Parnell