Red Ribbon Week is a special week at Yakima Adventist Christian School (YACS) and across the nation, held Oct. 22–26. This week is a tribute to Special Agent (DEA) Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico. After his death friends and family began the Red Ribbon Campaign to show that they would continue his fight against illegal drugs, embracing his belief that one person can make a difference. Red Ribbon Week has become a statement to say “yes” to a drug-free, smoke-free, alcohol-free lifestyle.

At YACS, students showed their commitment to living a drug-free life. There were contests, special speakers, videos, skits, and special themed days. Everyone got involved. All the themes were fun and students (and staff) participated. Some of the themes were: Stay in the Game, Be Drug-Free (wear athletic gear); Drugs Turn You Inside Out (wear clothes inside out); and Friends Help Friends Be Drug-Free (dress the same as your friend). Posters, poems and coloring pages decorated the hallways and reminded everyone of the importance of staying drug-free, alcohol-free, and smoke-free. Some of my favorites were:

“Drugs are a Band-aid, only Jesus can heal your pain!” —part of a poster by Honor

And this poem by Lowie:

Don’t use drugs because here’s what they do,

They mess up your brain that God gave you.

Your life becomes ruined, it hurts others too.

Instead seek out Jesus, He loves you through and through.