Marion Schools Spreading Say ‘No’ to Drugs Message

A red ribbon has become the symbol for saying 'no' to drugs.

Even young children, who really don’t have a full understanding of what a drug really is, know the ribbon's meaning.

“Red ribbons help more people become aware of drug abuse,” said Isaac Frazier, 16, a junior, as he introduced the red ribbons to first graders.

High School students handed out red ribbons to students at on Wednesday.

Alex Hunter, 17, a senior wrestler and track athlete, shared how staying away from drugs keeps him strong.

“When you’re in sports you can’t do bad things to your body,” Hunter said.

While some students chose to wear the ribbons straight, the majority stuck the ends together to form a bracelet. Regardless of how they wore the ribbons, the message came across.

“If someone on the street says, ‘Here take this,’ should you take that?’” first-grade teacher Mrs. Rebecca Pauslon asked.

“No!” the students screamed in unison.

“No, it will hurt you,” Paulson said in agreement.

Schools across the nation celebrated Red Ribbon Week Oct. 22-30 in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a slain U.S. Drug Enforcement officer.

Camarean worked undercover in Mexico investigating a major drug cartel that was believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government.  On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old had planned to meet his wife for lunch. However, he never made it. Five men shoved him into a car, and a month later his body was discovered in a shallow grave.

He had told his family and friends beforehand that he wanted to make a difference. Red Ribbon Week commemorates Camarena’s ultimate sacrifice.

Starry Elementary is directly across from the Marion Independent High School. The elementary students watch the high school students come and go as they play on the playground knowing that one day they will be big enough to go to the high school.

Teachers and administrators at the school hope that if their students hear the high school students openly speaking out about drugs, they will say no to harmful substances, too.

As a football player, Frazier feels a lot of those little eyes on him. He doesn’t plan to let them down.

“Being a role model, everyone is watching you and everything you do,” Frazier said. “They respect you and they want to be like you. It’s cool to come out and help.”