Next week Rosary will participate in Red Ribbon Week. That may leave you wondering: what is Red Ribbon Week? Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide celebration with the goal of inspiring kids and teens to be brave, and live a life drug-free.

The National Family Partnership, a non-profit founded by concerned parents, started the first Red Ribbon Week in 1985. The first Red Ribbon Week started after angered families across the country started wearing Red Ribbons to raise awareness for the death of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Red Ribbon Week became a nationwide practice after Kiki Camarena—simply because of his occupation and the information he had—was kidnapped and murdered by drug cartels in Mexico. In his memory, three years later, Red Ribbon Week flourished.

Red Ribbon Week helps children and teens recognize how much better life is drug-free. Drugs can negatively affect relationships, physical health, but most of all mental health. Drugs destroy lives, and Red Ribbon Week is a constant reminder of the impact drugs have on a person and those who love them.

According to Teenage Drug Use Statistics, about 50 percent of teens used drugs last year. In addition, last year alone, 96,700 people (of all ages) overdosed on drugs, increasing 30 percent from 2021. These alarming statistics show the sad reality of drug use in America, but bringing awareness to this issue can stop drug abuse at a young age.

Dr. Pautsch talks about the seriousness of drug abuse and the importance of educating young people about drug abuse: “In a time when drug dealers are intentionally trying to seduce more young people to try more lethal drugs, Red Ribbon Week has to continue to be a beacon of education and awareness.  Now more than ever, we must work to keep young people off drugs.”

ASB President Cadiz Salazar ‘23 adds: “I think it’s really important to educate kids in schools about the realities of drug awareness. Especially with the rise in the Fentanyl that is going on right now, it’s important that we give teenagers educational resources to help them make wise decisions.”

Rosary is fortunate to be one of 600 schools nationwide participating in this very important anniversary. To celebrate Red Ribbon Week, Rosary will have themed free-dress days next week.

The free-dress days will be:

Monday– Shine out against drugs: neon shirts with uniform bottoms

Tuesday– Drugs can’t find me: camouflage outfits

Wednesday– Friends don’t let friends do drugs: twin with your Big/Little Sister

Thursday– Crazy about being drug free: wear crazy socks or hair with your uniform

Friday– Black out drugs: all-black or Servite spirit wear with jeans

Disclaimer: Free-dress outfits must be within the free-dress guidelines outlined in both the student handbook and the email sent out by Ms. La Bonte ’09.

Take a minute next week to think about the importance of all the decisions you make and the impact these decisions can have on your life, including your family and friends. For more information about Red Ribbon week you can go to: https://www.redribbon.org/.