Red Ribbon Week: Glendora Schools Celebrate Being Drug-free

With red ribbons lining trees on school campuses throughout Glendora, local schools kicked off a series of anti-drug and alcohol awareness events as Red Ribbon Week got underway Tuesday.

This year’s theme, “The Best Me is Drug Free,” will be observed in the Glendora Unified and Charter Oak school districts with contests, educational events and presentations through Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Glendora Unified is hosting a town hall meeting on the effects of alcohol and drugs on today’s youth Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Goddard Middle School gym at 6 p.m.

Middle school and high school students are encouraged to come with their parents for the informational meeting, said Michelle Hunter, assistant superintendent of education services for Glendora Unified.

According to the district, the week’s events are focused on efforts on keeping kids healthy through nutrition and an active lifestyle.

The city of Glendora also proclaimed the week Red Ribbon Week, with efforts to involve schools, businesses, local law enforcement and service organizations in all aspects of the campaign.

According to statistics, illegal drug use is a contributing factor to the top three causes of death of teenagers –  accidents, homicide and suicide.

“The officers of the Glendora Police Department is committed to keeping our youth drug-free, not only this week but certainly through the 52 weeks out of the year,” Captain Tim Staab said during Tuesday’s city council meeting.

The first statewide Red Ribbon Week was sponsored in California in October 1986 in response to the murder of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agent assigned to a case in Mexico.

For more information on local school Red Ribbon Week events, contact Glendora Unified School District or Charter Oak Unified School District.