Rota private school kicks off Red Ribbon Week

Students of Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja showcase their artwork in celebration of Red Ribbon Week and Bully Prevention Month banner. (Contributed Photo)

Students at Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja and other schools across the nation will spend time this week raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and alcohol and pledging to be drug-free as part of the celebration of Red Ribbon Week, which runs on Oct. 23-31, 2015

In addition to Red Ribbon Week, ESFDB is celebrating National Bullying Prevention Month.  The goal is to encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyber-bullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages.

Red Ribbon Week is a way to send a powerful message to children to stay off drugs and that if anyone even attempts to offer it to them, to look the other way and run or tell their teacher, their parents, “tell somebody you trust,” said administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig.

“Kids are very impressionable at this age,” Atalig said. “They’re beginning to know what’s right and wrong and we have this opportunity to instill in them the values of good behavior, which means not taking drugs and let’s stop the bullying.”

“Drugs can do a lot of things to your body and mind and it destroys your brain and can destroy your life because you won’t be very good at stuff you’re trying to do. You won’t be good at school and you won’t get a good job,” said student body council president Angelo Lucero.

“And when you or a friend knows you are about to get bullied, make a stand, and stop it before it gets worse,” Lucero said.

Jeremy John Atalig II, student body council vice president, said he chooses to be drug free because he wants to have a good life and help keep students or friends from being bullied.

“How can we support as a parish community?  Tell your children just say no when offered drugs by friends, strangers, and most especially drug dealers.  The other is lock up your meds. These drugs range from pain relievers and depressants to stimulants and over-the-counter medicines. Children who abuse prescription drugs admit to getting them from family or friends. Prevent your children from abusing your medications by securing your meds in places your child cannot access them,” said board chair and Pacific Regional Training Institute director Edward Maratita Jr.

“Lastly, pray. Pray for a friend who is at-risk for substance abuse and for children and all young adults who have so much to offer the world,” added Maratita.  “And let’s not forget to end and stomp out bullying.”

ESFDB students also participated in drawing and essay contests as part of Red Ribbon Week, using this year’s theme: “Respect Yourself.  Be Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week commemorates the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a DEA agent who was kidnapped and killed in 1985 in the line of duty fighting the war on drugs. In 1985, high school students from his hometown in Calexico, California, began the celebration to honor Camarena. (ESFDB)