Hope Schools Observe Red Ribbon Week

By Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools, 10/27/20 7:42 AM

HOPE – A tradition in public schools across the nation established to honor a fallen law enforcement officer continues in the Hope Public Schools this week.

Red Ribbon Week was created to commemorate the life and bravery of fallen Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Enrique Camarena who was murdered by drug cartel operatives in 1985. The Red Ribbon worn and celebrated across the nation serves as a focal point for drug prevention education in local schools in the annual campaign directed by the National Family Partnership.

“Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” Is the theme for the 2020 Red Ribbon Week observance, with students in the Hope Public Schools recognizing the idea in different ways on each of the district’s campuses.

Clinton Primary School students began the week wearing red to show they were “Proud to be Drug Free” on Monday; on Tuesday, sweats were the dress of the day for “Being Drug Free is No Sweat”; Wednesday was “These Paws Don’t Touch Drugs” featuring animal-themed shirts; and Thursday was Halloween mask-themed with “Drugs are Scary.”

Beryl Henry Elementary School observed Medical Monday (dress as a medical professional); Super Hero Tuesday (show the power to be drug free); Camo Wednesday; and Pink Out Thursday (giving a shout out to Breast Cancer awareness by wearing pink).

Hope Academy of Public Service students went all orange on Unity Day Monday; socked it to drugs Tuesday with Crazy Sock Day; looked to the future on Career/College Day on Wednesday, and 5th-6th grade students also participated in a “virtual” magic show; and HAPS said “Boo to Drugs” in Halloween costume on Thursday.

Yerger Middle School students Put a Sock on Drugs on Monday; showed team spirit on the Drug Free Team on Tuesday; shaded drugs on Wednesday; and went completely red on Thursday.

Hope High School students observed Camo Day on Monday; went Twins on Tuesday; showed college colors on Wednesday; and Pinked Out on Thursday.

Red Ribbon week is observed nationally Oct. 26-31 but Hope Public Schools students were not on campus Friday, which was a “virtual day” on the school calendar.