Croton-Harmon Students Mark Red Ribbon Week

From Croton-Harmon School District:

CROTON-ON-HUDSON - Students at Croton-Harmon High School and Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School embraced the message of Red Ribbon Week – a drug prevention program targeting young people – from October 23 to 31.

At PVC, the Student Council organized a theme for each day of the week to bring awareness to their peers. On Monday, students wore red and signed a pledge to be drug free; on Tuesday, they wore funky accessories to “stick it to drugs;” Wednesday’s theme was “Don’t Let Drugs Mix You Up” and they wore mismatched clothes to share that message; on Thursday students wore black to heighten the awareness of addiction and tragedy associated with drug use and on Friday they told drugs to take a hike by wearing camouflage, outdoor clothing and camping gear.

“This week is all about making healthy, positive choices,” said student assistance counselor Kayla Martin.

Ty Sells, a Youth to Youth International speaker who spoke with students about the challenges and tough decisions faced when it comes to drugs and alcohol, led presentations and workshops for the CHHS and PVC students during the week. Sells also guided discussions about marijuana use during his “Clearing the Air” workshop, presented through the Croton Community Coalition.

Sells encouraged students to be honest about their perceptions and attitudes toward marijuana and shared some facts that are often overshadowed by today’s pro-marijuana campaigns. He also stressed that he talks to teens because marijuana can be a confusing issue.

“You can’t even vote yet and you are the group most impacted by the decisions [surrounding the legalization of marijuana],” he told the students. “They are trying to sell it to you and it’s all about the money. I want to try to be an advocate for all of you.”

Photo 1: Croton-Harmon High School students engaged in “Clearing the Air” workshops with speaker Ty Sells as part of Red Ribbon Week drug prevention activities.

Photo 2: Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School students signed a pledge to be drug free during Red Ribbon Week.

Photo 3: Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School students received red ribbons after signing a pledge to be drug free during Red Ribbon Week.

Photos courtesy of the Croton-Harmon School District.