This year’s Red Ribbon Week proved to be days filled with fun, as well as educational. Saluda Trail Middle School students and staff celebrated Red ribbon week October 23rd through Oct. 27th. This year’s national theme was “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” The focus was on students making positive choices to be happy and healthy.

Mrs. McCoy, the 6th grade counselor, said Red Ribbon Week was designed to raise awareness to students about the danger of drugs, alcohol, and other illegal substances.  While she believes many students take the week to dress up and have fun, a portion of them do know the real meaning. “I want them to know the dangers of abusing drugs and using alcohol,” said Mrs. McCoy.

Mrs. Johnson, the 7th grade counselor, said she wanted students to not only learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but also know how to go about getting help if they or someone they knew ever got involved in drugs.

Mrs. Hardy Holmes Wilson, the 8th grade school counselor said while she believes many of the students look forward to dressing down, she really wants them to understand the seriousness of getting involved in illegal substances.  “I want them to know that drugs and alcohol use can significantly impact the trajectory of their lives,” she said.

Caylee Wilson and Bre Simpson, both 7^th graders, know the importance of staying drug free.  “Drugs kill people, so don’t do them,” warned Wilson. “I don’t do drugs because I want to get somewhere in life and do something with my life and drugs would stop that,” Simpson said. “I want to make my life have meaning and you should too,” added Simpson.

Saluda Trail’s Counselors worked together to prepare numerous fun and educational activities for students and staff to enjoy throughout the week, including a pep rally, games and dress down days.

“I really liked watching the student and teacher volleyball games, plus the cheerleaders,” said Aubree Hutchison, a 7^th grader.