Red Ribbon Week promotes awareness
By MICHAEL YATES
MHS student reporter
In an effort to draw awareness to a discouraging increase of alcohol and drugs usage, Red Ribbon Week promoted self-awareness for both teachers and students of Marion High School.
During the week, many activities meant to encourage students to avoid drugs were scheduled, including a "Red Ribbon" scavenger hunt, and a week-long contest with questions concerning drug awareness. Specific days were also assigned to wear designated "drug free" articles of clothing, such as wearing the color red.
An assembly was held Oct. 28 at MHS to address drug and alcohol abuse. The show included a PowerPoint presentation and a short alcohol awareness video. Two members from the highway patrol, Trooper Benjamin Gardner and Sergeant J.L. Riedel, spoke to the students about alcohol and shared their experiences.
Their primary focus of the day, Riedel said was, "To give them information and to show them some real-life pictures so they make the right decisions in life."
Gardner added his focus was "preventative law enforcement."
Sergeant Riedel spends a great deal of his time making presentations to high schools across the north central part of the state, within his area of 18 counties. Both officers explained they wish to inform students that they have a very open-door policy, and would much rather discuss problems off the road, rather than on it.
When Gardner was asked if he felt the presentation was successful, he said, "Yes, because if it catches one person, it's always successful."
Students expressed various opinions about the effectiveness of the presentation.
"It was just a waste of time," said Trevor Jones, sophomore. "The people who are going to do it will do it. They're not going to listen to that."
Although many students may agree with Jones, claiming the presentation to be fake, or even hokey, it is undeniable that the show did get through to some students.
"Seeing the wrecked cars scared me," remarked sophomore Chelsi Carlson. When asked if she felt the assembly was successful, she said simply, "Yeah." Junior Jordan Trapp agreed. "Yeah, I liked it. It was informational." Trapp also noted it "brought reality to life, too."
The overall success of Red Ribbon Week was well noted. Although it is foolish to say all students were affected, it has brought more awareness to the MHS students, and perhaps done a great deal to aid the prevention of drugs and alcohol.
