Students at Mesquite Elementary take the Red Ribbon Week pledge to be drug free

Yuma County and people around the world are wearing the color red for Red Ribbon Week f or the week of October 23, through the 31.

With the Crane School District, Mesquite Elementary School is teaching students on how to lead a life that is drug-free. The school’s courtyard is nothing but the color red.

Mesquite Elementary is celebrating Red Ribbon Week in style.

“We had fortnight dance challenges between the students and teachers,” Ashlee Kimber, 6th grade teacher, said.

Kids shared with News 11 how they know the real importance of Red Ribbon Week.

“I’ve learned that drugs are not good and if you take one, any type of drug, you’ll keep doing it,” Danien Vo, a 6th grader said.

“It says no drugs and when people do drugs it’s really bad for them and it affects other people so it’s just really bad ,” added 6th grader Sofia DeAnda.

“Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness for not using drugs,” 6th grader Ariana Olea said.

Red Ribbon Week has been inside classrooms since 1985 and the color red shows commitment to raise awareness about preventing drug use.

Local law enforcement agencies and first responders made a stop by the school to show support.

“They enjoy coming out and meeting our community first responders and our people within our community. The community loves to come in and engage with the students as well,” Kimber said.

AeroCare Medical Transport dropped in to also show support.

“Well, I’ve been a pilot for 15 years and I’ve been in love with aviation for my whole life ever since I was a little kid. If I had ever got caught up in drugs or anything like, that I would not where I am today, it wouldn’t be possible,” said Scott Swanberg, a pilot for AeroCare.

Students can take the pledge and live up to this year’s theme of “life if your journey, travel drug-free.”

You can take the pledge by clicking here.