Schools in Blaine County are celebrating National Red Ribbon Week October 24-28, each in their own way but together in theme. This year’s theme is “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free”. This year’s theme was created by Emily King, Chelsea Abbott, and Celise Wicker, 7th graders at Wayland-Cohocton Middle School in Wayland, New York, The Theme is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free.

Red Ribbon Week was after the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985 and focused on making the idea of staying Drug Free a topic of high priority to our youth. Harlem and Hays/Lodge Pole Schools have themed days throughout the week and Blaine County is encouraged to wear orange on Thursday for Unity Day. “

Whatever the plan is for each school, teachers are all in line when it comes to the week’s importance, “I think it’s important to talk to kids about taking care of their bodies and making healthy choices,” said Chinook Meadowlark First and Second Grade teacher, Tammy Edwards. “At the age I teach, I focus on proper medicine administration and stranger awareness. We discuss what drugs and alcohol are too. I try to have a ‘healthy snacks’ Halloween party to teach about balance since I know they’ll get lots of sweets.”

Edwards appreciated the addition to this year’s theme, “I suppose all ages have different focuses on Red Ribbon Week. I think it is important to spread awareness about drugs and alcohol. I also like the idea of bringing anti-bullying into the conversation too. We strive to have bully-free schools, but it is important to discuss and model what that means. As children develop, they need guidance on these topics. If we talk about the basics at school, maybe conversations will happen at home too.”

Harlem Biology/Chemistry/Physics Teacher, Kim Faulkinberry also serves as the Lady Cat Head Volleyball Coach and recognizes the significance of the week, “Red Ribbon week is a great reminder to all of our kids of the importance of a drug free lifestyle. Athletes can be affected even more because there is a chance that they can lose what they love to do! Sports tend to promote a healthy, drug and alcohol free lifestyle to be all they can be. Hopefully the week promotes more necessary awareness.”

Harlem Elementary has a full schedule of activities planned, “The grade school ‘goes all out’. The kids love it, and the teachers take the opportunity to discuss the importance of being drug and alcohol free,” said third grade teacher Kerry Johnson. The Harlem School week itinerary is as follows: Monday was ‘Celebrate Life, Live Drug Free day; students were encouraged to wear Red in support of a Drug Free Lifestyle. Tuesday was ‘Don’t let drugs get in the way of your dreams’ with students being asked to wear pajamas or sweats. Wednesday’s theme was ‘Headed in the right direction... drug free’. Wearing your favorite hat is to be encouraged. Thursday students are asked to dress Western from the hat down to your boots in support of ‘Cowboy up and give Drugs the Boot’. The week will conclude with Harlem Wildcats ROAR against Drugs Day with students wearing their favorite Harlem colors and jerseys.

Hays/Lodge Pole Schools are also doing daily themes Monday through Thursday. Monday is Wear Red Day; Tuesday is Pajama Day with the theme being ‘Put Drugs to Sleep. Wednesday is wear your sunglasses day and be ‘Too Cool for Drugs’. Thursday is Halloween Day wear you are to ‘Scare Drugs away’ by wearing your favorite costume.