During Red Ribbon Week, the Aliso Niguel High School campus was decorated with plenty of red to encourage students to make healthy, drug-free choices as well as spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
To promote the Red Ribbon campaign on the ANHS campus, the Associated Student Body embellished trees with red ribbons tied around the trunks and the walls were covered with red posters. The posters had hand-drawn red ribbon symbols and a variety of short phrases advertising the drug-free lifestyle.
Teachers were supplied with red silicone bracelets with the motto “DRUG USE IS LIFE ABUSE” printed on them. All the bracelets were sourced from the district office. These bracelets were handed to every student to help spread the message of Red Ribbon Week. Many students had a collection of multiple bracelets at the end of the week.
Ari Bilewitz (12), ASB Senior Director of Communications, said, “We as students wear these red wristbands to show our solidarity and support for Red Ribbon Week and its message.”
The ANHS campus had Red Ribbon Week decorations up throughout the week, from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25. On Oct. 25 ASB members and students on campus dressed up in red to conclude the end of Red Ribbon Week.
ASB members met with representatives of the school district to discuss plans and ways to raise awareness surrounding drug use prevention and promote sustainable health-conscious decisions.
Amitis Yaghini (12), “I appreciate the school’s efforts in providing bracelets in an effort to advocate for drug abuse awareness and remind students to make healthy choices.”
The annual celebration of Red Ribbon Week is a nationally recognized event, providing opportunities for teachers and school staff to educate students and demonstrate a commitment to a safe and drug-free school environment. Schools across the nation, including Aliso Niguel, dedicate a week to the event for students. Putting a spotlight on the risks of drug abuse as well as the importance of making health-wise decisions is the main goal.
The events throughout the week also encourage students to take control of their lives by avoiding the use of drugs and acknowledging the risks of drug use turning to drug abuse.
Schools during Red Ribbon Week commonly host themed dress-up days, where students and staff will wear specific colors or clothing items. As well as decorating the hallways, classrooms and student common areas especially, serving as a visual reminder of the Red Ribbon campaign.
Constant exposure to the message through visual cues emphasizes the importance of living a drug-free life. The visual cues keep the message of Red Ribbon Week alive, even after the event ends. The display of posters and red ribbons shows a commitment from the students and staff. The encouragement of positive behavior aims to help create a sense of community and collective responsibility. The awareness builds beyond the classroom with decorations around the school, serving as reminders of Red Ribbon Week’s message.
The ANHS campus will continue to spotlight awareness on Red Ribbon Week every year, like many other schools across the country.
