Mrs. Julie Voyles and Mrs. Bridget Liggett, respectively the High School and Elementary counselors, have been overseeing annual activities for Red Ribbon Week for years. Working with a committee of high school students this year has brought bright new ideas to the mix. Together, Quinci Stringer, Alyssa Rivera, Landen Spoonemore, Drew Foster, Cassy Lyon, Miranda Rich, Ashton Alley-Cutts, Sarah McCarter, Carter Blackburn, Cadence Williams, Eddie Rich, and Rebecca Burrus are planning to kick things off with a bang during the week of October 24-27.
But, what is this really all about? Red Ribbon Week’s mission is to prevent the use of drugs and promote living life drug free. The 2022 official theme, “Celebrate Life Live Drug Free,” is an everyday reminder to all Americans to strive to make contributions to better their communities. In the Eminence community a more holistic approach is taken, and a focus on overall health and safety is at heart when planning activities. With this goal in mind, interesting guest speakers and engaging activities are scheduled in the district to bring awareness and teach students the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
At the Elementary building on Monday, Red Ribbon Week committee members will visit each classroom to create artwork which will be distributed in our community through the grocery bags from Tim’s Bestway. And, a swap the sugar challenge will be presented to educate about the impact sugar makes on overall health. Tuesday’s challenge is the taste bud challenge and will be paired with a live virtual assembly with Jedley. This magic show will hopefully capture the students’ attention as well as inform each student about being the boss of their own bodies. Wednesday’s challenge is at home recess. And, finally, Thursday’s focus will be a screen free challenge. Beta Club members will help Mr. Tony clean up around the school grounds. A bonus challenge on this final day will involve a family cook-off! Students who complete these challenges will be entered into daily drawings for prizes.
In addition, on the High School campus, students will have the opportunity to take part in the distracted driving assembly put on by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Monday. Then, on Tuesday, the National Guard will present an anti-bullying presentation. Vaping, the impact of energy drinks, and overall healthy nutrition will be discussed by experts from The Shannon County Health Department as well. Since food is the way to many hearts, Thursday students and staff will have a cookout.
T-shirts and candy anyone? Just show up to lunch at the High School campus and be sure to pick the right tray! Prizes will be random, students will just have to do a lucky dance and maybe dress to the code as follows: Monday - Crazy Red and Black Day, Tuesday - Pajama Day, Wednesday - Yee Yee Day, Thursday - Alphabet Day. More information can be found on the official Eminence Red Ribbon Spirit Week Flier.
If any special personal counseling topics arise, please always feel free to call Mrs. Voyles at the High School or Mrs. Liggett at the Elementary. For additional drug free resources, visit drugfree.org.
Article by Ashton Alley-Cutts, EHS Business Communications Class