Students look to the future during Red Ribbon Week

Castle Heights Elementary School is recognizing Red Ribbon Week by showing what they would give up by getting hooked on drugs.

“All of our classroom lessons this week will focus on (students’) career choices,” said Laura Cromer, guidance counselor at Castle Heights Elementary School. “Students will list careers they’re interested in and choose the one that is the most interesting to them right now.”

Red Ribbon Week originated in California in 1985 as a way to honor Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a DEA agent murdered to prevent him from testifying in a drug cartel case, according to Cromer. Each year, from Oct. 23-31, schools throughout the country help children learn the dangers about drugs and drug cartels.

“With Red Ribbon Week being against drugs, we also want them to focus on their futures,” said Cromer. “You can’t have a career and be hooked on drugs.”

Students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will participate in the activities.

Staff writer Sara McManamy-Johnson can be reached at 615-444-3952, ext. 16 or sjohnson@lebanondemocrat.com.