Students at North Buncombe Middle School (NBMS) have taken the pledge to be drug free as part of Red Ribbon Week in October. Red Ribbon Week encourages students to make healthy choices, avoid drugs, and live drug free. The week-long event culminated in a showcase by law enforcement encouraging students to make good choices.
The event was coordinated by the students themselves. The student council at NBMS and the FCCLA both came together to take charge of the event and spread awareness to the student body.
“Students can see how drug abuse and addiction impact a wider community,” said NBMS Principal Nicholas Honeycutt. “Our students took charge because they want to know how to help themselves by living drug free, but also to help their community. It’s about saying no to drugs, but also where do you go to get someone you know help? Who can you reach out to?”
The activities consisted of students signing a banner to pledge to be drug-free, learning about drugs' negative effects and how to say no, and exploring their “natural highs.” The lesson shared quotes from artists, musicians, athletes, and other celebrities sharing the ways they experience a natural high, or euphoria, away from drugs by engaging in hobbies or activities they love. Students then identified their “natural high” and incorporated it into the drug-free pledge banner.
“I appreciate our student council and FCCLA for stepping up to take charge of this event and wanting to do this for their peers,” said Mr. Honeycutt. “That’s real. Not only has Red Ribbon Week created a space where students can talk about a health issue affecting their communities, they have shared resources and stories that help them lead happier, healthier lives. The fact that it was student led, well, that’s one of the best parts.”