Hundreds of local students donned their best red attire this week in support of Red Ribbon Week and to celebrate living a drug-free life.

On Friday, leadership class students from eCademy Charter decorated the trees around campus with red ribbons to kick off Red Ribbon Week’s theme, “The Best Me is Drug Free.” 

“These students are leaders on our campus who are making good choices in our community,” said eCademy Principal Robin Swartz. “They are setting an example to others in living a drug-free life.”

Walnut Elementary School also took part in the festivities by sporting red ribbons, red bracelets and holding educational activities throughout the week.  On Tuesday morning, Walnut Magneteers took part in a patriotic challenge, dressed from head to toe in red, white, and blue to kick off Red Ribbon Week, and get information about drug and alcohol prevention.

“During Red Ribbon Week we band together to stand against drugs,” said Walnut PTA coordinator Dr. Sunita Saini.  “Our kids learn the negative effects drugs and alcohol does in our body and the consequences that come with it.”

During the opening ceremony, Walnut Magneteers chanted anti-drug songs, received drug and alcohol facts, and participated in a raffle drawing.  One lucky student received a free pizza for sporting a red band. 

“We want to be excited in participating because we have other special events going on throughout the week,” said Saini.

The highlight of the opening ceremony included a special performance from Turlock High School’s NJROTC students encouraging Walnut students to live a healthy proactive life away from drugs and alcohol.

“Being drug-free is the only way to go,” said 6th grade student Shiann Snider.  “I choose to stay away from drugs because I want to live a healthy life that does not include drugs or alcohol.”