San Pasqual Unified School District hosts red ribbon walk

WINTERHAVEN, Calif. (KYMA) - The San Pasqual Valley Unified School District hosted its red ribbon walk to kick off red ribbon week.

The "Hero Walk" involved students from elementary to high school to share the importance of staying drug free, and the school district hopes these messages can influence students throughout red ribbon week and in the future.

"So those little messages, I hope, start when they're small and it carries on as they get older so that they know, like there's other options out there. There's healthier ways to express when things happen in your life," Adina Alvarez, the school district's community liaison said.

Students had signs and heard from key speakers in the high school gym that drugs are not the answer.

Superintendent Richard Cordero said this walk shows students that not every hero wears a cape.

"Well, I think it's important for people to realize why things are happening and the importance of just saying no to drugs and how drugs really affect people. I think this week's events or activities that are scheduled, just a constant reminder to the student that they're important," Cordero said.

One student, Reva Barley, shared saying the important takeaway she got is that drugs can ruin the special moments with people close to you.

"I think it's important because drugs can ruin your life and ruin the moment that you can't get back with people. And I think staying drug free is the important thing to do," Barley expressed.

Another student, Genavecia Denard, who was leading the walk emphasized signs of peer pressure when it comes to saying no to drugs.

"Being peer pressured to do drugs is actually not good. And I would actually encourage people to say no. And even walk away from that and that you can always say no, even if it doesn't make you look cool or anything," Denard remarked.

The school district said this walk is part of a long-time tradition.