Red Ribbons

The local chapters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) are teaming up to promote safe driving and good choices — such as choosing to avoid drugs and alcohol.

National Red Ribbon Week returns October 23 through October 31. Janet Robey, the new Rappahannock High School organizer of SADD, and Kim McKiernan, the local representative of MADD, are working with students and the community to make the event a success.

According to McKiernan, fun activities and theme days are planned for students and staff. For example, Monday is pajama day, themed “My Choices are Key to My Dreams.” On Tuesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear red shirts and take a picture for the Red Ribbon Week photo contest. Friday’s Halloween theme is “Drugs Are too Spooky for Me” and, of course, students may wear costumes to school.

As in past years, businesses and homeowners are asked to display large red ribbons on their mailboxes or other highly visible places to show our community’s

support. MADD and SADD provided a number of ribbons last year and ask that they be used again. Or you can use a large red holiday bow or piece of red ribbon.

Said Robey, “Our goal is to blanket the community so everywhere our students (and adults) travel, they are reminded to make good choices and avoid drugs and alcohol.”

In addition, a SADD Rock the Belt initiative engages schools, parents, and communities about the importance of wearing seat belts in every vehicle, in every seat, every time. The Rappahannock chapter of SADD will be holding activities from October 15 to 21, in conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week.

For more information, contact Janet Robey at RCHS 540-227-0745 (JRobey@ rappahannockschools.us) or Kim McKiernan at 540-2291112.