This is Red Ribbon Week at Maricopa High School

A local high school is spreading drug-awareness through a series of week-long events.

Students at Maricopa High School are participating in Red Ribbon Week, a national annual drug prevention campaign from Oct. 23 through Oct. 29.

MHS Prevention Coach Yolanda Ewing said children whose parents talk to them about drugs and alcohol are less likely to use the addictive substances.

“Substance abuse awareness education helps support those parents who are making the effort to talk with their kids as well as fill in the vacuum being left by those who don’t,” Ewing said.

According to the Red Ribbon Week Campaign website, only a quarter of teens nationwide report having these conversations.

The awareness week comes at the height of a national opioid epidemic. Although the increased abuse of prescription medication is cause for much concern, Ewing said “alcohol is still the most widely abused drug nationwide by teens and by Maricopa teens.”

Organizers kicked off the week Monday with a “table talk” held during lunch by the Students Against Drunk Driving club.

Tuesday, the Ready for Life program hosted a red ribbon drug awareness “Ram Fest” after school with live music and food.

The MHS Drama Club performed “Your Future is Key, So Stay Drug Free” inside the Black Box Theatre Wednesday afternoon. Students viewed a screening of “Natural High” Thursday and engaged in a discussion with their peers afterward inside the school lecture hall from 2:45 to 5 p.m.

During the MHS Rams Football final game of the season, students will sign a red ribbon pledge and conduct a balloon release.

The week concludes Sunday at Copper Sky with a community outreach event at 2:30 p.m.

“We plan to have fun activities for everyone, free food, live entertainment and a balloon release,” Ewing said.

As part of the campaign, students also entered a Red Ribbon-themed essay and poster contest.

For more information contact Ewing at [email protected].