Students rally for drug-free environment
BRAWLEY — Students of Phil Swing Elementary School assembled in the shape of a key to welcome a REACH Air Medical Service helicopter fly-over in celebration of Red Ribbon week, Wednesday.
The nationwide Red Ribbon week is celebrated each year from Oct. 23 to 31 so students can show a personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. The Red Ribbon campaign began in 1985 when drug traffickers murdered Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration. By displaying red ribbons, campaign participants demonstrate their opposition to drug use.
The campaign is a way to present a unified and visible promise to make a drug-free America, noted Elizabeth Casey, principal of Phil Swing School. It is also an ideal way to enlist the help of teachers, administrators and the Parent Teacher Organization to support the campaign and this year they purchased drug-free logo key fobs.
“This year our theme was, your Future is Key so stay Drug Free, and that’s why we had the students line up in the shape of a key,” said Casey. “Our yearly REACH fly-over reminds kids to avoid drugs.”
Audrey Montesinos, third grader, was an enthusiastic booster “We support drug-free and tell other kids not to do it,” she said. “And the helicopter was just awesome.”
Casey also was excited for the Red Ribbon poster contest sponsored by Imperial County Office of Education. Entries are judged on those best matching the theme and the quality of the artwork. A grand prize winner will be selected from all school district entries as well as four students selected in four grade categories, along with 13 first, second and third place winners are recognized.
“I feel the Phil Swing community is so motivated, they go above and beyond with social and emotional support, because there’s lots of pressure on kids to make bad choices,” said Casey.
Catelyn Ortiz, a sixth-grader, looked forward to seeing all the cell phone photos she and her friends shot. “It’s really fun and cool,” she said. “I like seeing all the pictures at the end.”
Students also enjoyed taking photos with fire fighters from Fire Station No. 1, led by Capt. Mike York and included the shift crew of Steven Arvizu, Julio Rivera, and Richard Chavez. Arvizu pointed out they are also certified emergency medical technicians.
“We do a lot of rescues but mostly we do medical interventions, 85 percent,” he said.
Third grade teacher Paula Baraggiotta also enjoyed taking photos of and with firefighters.
“I think it’s a wonderful event for the school and community,” she said. “It’s a great way to remind students that drug free is the only choice to lead us on a path to a bright future.”