by Katie Hill
During the week of Oct. 26 through the 30, York Suburban High School will be participating in Red Ribbon Week sponsored by SADD. This week is dedicated to raising awareness to high school students about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. In past years, SADD has sold candy grams, ribbons, and this year they are having a pledge wall. This is where students, if they desire, can write their names and post it on the wall promising to stay drug and alcohol free.
“We have become increasingly aware that students are dabbling in drug and alcohol usage and I think it’s important for us as a school for us to not just look the otherway but to try to help students, empower students to make better choices,” said SADD advisor, Jolene Kingston.
To show support and raise awareness towards this cause, students are encouraged to fill out a pledge sheet, buy a ribbon, and wear red on Friday. One lucky person who goes all out on friday and truly shows their spirit, will receive a gift card courtesy of SADD and Kingston. Last year, SADD was able to get their name out by providing a photo booth to prom, this year they are hoping to spread the word further.
SADD has been running this annual campaign for many years now. They have approached the topic in a variety of ways like selling candy grams and ribbons, anything to create a positive impact. “Students need positive influences. People might think we’re not getting anywhere with these teenagers but it’s the opposite,” said Kingston.
I think that the school should preach about drugs and alcohol to a point, but they also have to realize that some people will not listen to all of the speeches and it will just waste their time,” said Freshman Kaylla Howery. Kingston realizes this point and wants to respect students’ space but at the same time wants students to “respect themselves: and be drug free,” which is the campaign’s slogan this year.
Kingston said, “We are just trying to promote positive living. We want to build the school’s awareness of us as an organization and hopefully to positively impact students who walk past our pledges and see the names of people they look up to and realize that it’s okay to be drug free.”