Red Ribbon Week is approaching meaning it’s time to suit up for a week of taking down drugs. Red Ribbon Week is a national event that happens the last week of October. SADD members got together to come up with what they want to do this week to promote drug awareness. 

SADD’s mission is to “empower and mobilize students and adult allies to engage in positive change through leadership and smart decision-making.” SADD also values students leading students. “SADD students lead at the national and state levels, rooted in our school and community-based, peer-to-peer chapters.”

“Red Ribbon Week started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico.”

Paraprofessional Shannon Mort who is a co-advisor of SADD planned the events for the week. “I felt that I should help with the planning.”

Mort also had help with the planning and bouncing ideas around. “SADD members help come up with what they want to do, then vote on everything, and then we go ask for permission to do the items.”

Mort “likes to plan” some of the events, which are “themed days, an activity for MMAs to do, and SADD members will be painting rocks with anti-drug messages on them and then placing them in the courtyard by the cafeteria.” 

Senior Jensen Gladfelter is also a part of SADD. “I’ve been involved since freshman year. I was the treasurer freshman year and president junior and senior year.” 

Gladfelter also has a connection with SADD and their mission for a better world. “My cousin overdosed and died of drugs so it does have a sentimental meaning to me.”