Red Ribbon Week promotes drug-free lifestyle
Libby Elementary School fifth grade students share their enthusiasm on Thursday, Oct. 27, for Red Ribbon Week. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby Elementary School student Bear Saiz dressed as a chef on Thursday, Oct. 27, for Red Ribbon Week. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Libby Elementary School student Maizy Orr dressed as an astronaut on Thursday, Oct. 27, for Red Ribbon Week. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)
Here are the winners of the Red Ribbon Week poster contest at Libby Elementary School. Back row, from left, are Becca Smith, Cody Katzer, Simeon Shattuck and Addison Kraft. Front row, from left are, Holly Nelson, Josie Jacobson and Eva Holzer. (Photo courtesy Brittany Katzer)
Outfits worn by chefs, firefighters and law enforcement were just some of the costumes worn by Libby Elementary School students who were part of Red Ribbon Week.
The week-long events, held Oct. 24 to Oct. 28 were part of the school’s ongoing efforts to help its students live a drug-free life.
“Students signed a pledge to be drug free, then the kids dressed up and we had a poster contest and costume to end the week,” school Counselor Brittany Katzer said.
Each student wrote their name on red ribbons, which were tied outside on the front fence mural.
Katzer explained that other community partners worked to make the event a success.
“I get paper bags from Rosauers and have all of our students (about 650) decorate a paper bag based on the theme (Celebrate Life). On Wednesday, I collected the bags and brought them back to Rosauers so they go out into the community with the kids' art work and positive, healthy messages,” Katzer said. “This year I partnered with Lincoln County Public Health, which chose winners of the poster contest and donated $5 gift cards to Burger Express for the winners.”
According to information on its website, https://www.redribbon.org/, Red Ribbon Week was born out of the tragic death of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who died in the line of duty in 1985.
In honor of Kiki's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents then began to form coalitions using Camarena as their model while embracing his belief that one person can make a difference.
These coalitions adopted the symbol of Camarena's memory, the Red Ribbon. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
