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Published on 10/16/1995 All articles from this issue

Red Ribbon Week

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by Chris McCrellis-Mitchell / Town Crier Staff Writer

On October 23, students of all grade levels will be wearing a red ribbon on their backpacks, shirts and varsity jackets. The little pieces of fabric are more than a fashion statement, they are a part of Red Ribbon Week, a national drug-free schools program.

The Red Ribbon Week was first started after Federal Agent Enrique Camarena died at the hands of drug traffickers in 1995. In response to Enrique's death National Federation of Parents (NFP) groups wore and displayed red ribbons to help develop an attitude of intolerance to drug use.

"Red Ribon Week has played a significant and successful role in the fight against drugs. A simple fact, such as wearing a red ribbon, sends a loud message that drug use should not be condoned," said Asseblymember Jim Cunneen, who represents Los Altos and seven other South Bay cities.

"Alcohol and other drug problems confront every community. But if we work together, as a community, we can eliminate the demand for drugs," he said. "I believe every person, child and adult alike, has the power to change things for the better. Wearing a red ribbon is a step in the direction."

Both the Los Altos-Mountain View High School District and Los Altos Elementary School District, have decided to recognize and adopt the Oct. 23-31 campaign. There will be several events at the schools to tie in with the awareness week.

Oak School's planned activities are typical of how most school's acknowledge the week. According to Clark Maul, a parent coordinator, Monday has been designated for decorating the school with red ribbons; Wenesday, students are encouraged to wear red clothing; Thursday there are hopes for a presentation by guest speakers. In the past, the school has had presntations given by members of the police, fire and social service departments. There will also be one day where students will sign a pledge petition to maintain a drug-free life.

Maul, who works in the fire services, said he sees a lot of the outcomes of drugs and alcohol. He said Red Ribbon Week is an important part of educating youth about drugs. "If you keep working on the kids, hopefully the message will get through and they will see what the dangers of it is. Hopefully they will act accordingly," he said. And when the time comes when they chose to do it or not do it, they know all the facts, they know what's happening...Give them as much as they can understand at their grade level so they walk away and have some information they can work with."

Local private schools will also be getting into the spirit. At Saint Francis High School, activities begin on Monday, when approximately 50 students will decorate the school with signs, red ribbons, and a banner in the front of the school. Wedneday will feature students dressing in red tops and jeans, and Thursday the school will have a sargeant speak during 5th and 6th periods about the effects of drugs an d alcohol. On Friday, the school hopes to have a smashed up car from a drunk driving incident to be place on campus as a negative symbol of substance abuse.

Other schools, like MontClaire Elementary School will be involved in similar activities as well as entering student posters into a national contest. According to Marge Gratiot, superintendant for the Los Altos Elementary District, many students will be involved in an essay contest sponsored by the Los Altos Police Department.

Gratiot said the district encourages all its schools to drive home the Red Ribbon Week message of no to drugs or alcohol, and the week is an important one in the fight for keeping America's youth clean. "We try to have an anti-drug message all year long in the schools, but it's the one week during the year when the whole community tries to send a unified message and we like to be a part of it."