Students take part in the week-long pledge to say no to drugs

About to 2,000 students from five different public schools walked in a parade Wednesday as part of a week-long pledge to say no to drugs.

The Red Ribbon parade began at Valle Del Encanto Elementary School at 9 a.m. The community along with Somerton Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and Somerton Fire Department gathered in support.

Chief Turitto, with the Somerton Police Department, said that it’s important to start informing young children about drugs so they can be educated on the consequences.

“Kids are very influential. We need to get these kids while they’re young and to explain to them the causes of [the] effect of drug abuse. We want to make sure we get them while they’re young. That way they have a good foundation and some good mentorship,” said Chief Turitto.

A student at Valle Del Encanto Learning Center shared her message to all her peers on the importance of staying drug-free.

“I want to send a message to all the kids to not do drugs when they’re older because it can make you very sick,” said Lelia Padilla.

Students crafted signs that read “Boo to Drugs”, and “No bones about it, drugs are bad, say no to drugs.” They also walked with red balloons to raise awareness for drug abuse in the community.

Laura Noel, s uperintendent of Somerton School District said that today also gives students an opportunity to learn about different professions.

“In the future, I hope that the students see themselves as police officers, like the fireman, [and] as Border Patrol agents,” said Noel.

Somerton Police Department encourages the community, parents, educators, and organizations in the area to promote a drug-free lifestyle.

Wednesday’s celebration is also in memory of DEA agent, Kiki Camarena, who was murdered in Mexico while conducting an investigation in Mexico for the DEA in 1985. Camarena was from Mexicali, Mexico.