Six-Year Old Participates in Red Ribbon Week's National Contest

Six-year-old Sarah O’Neil is all smiles after being recognized by the Bensalem School Board this month for her door decoration that features the benefits of a drug-free life.

Sarah, a student at Struble Elementary School, won her school’s Red Ribbon decorating contest for her balloon and love note doorway creation. It is all part of the National Family Partnership’s annual Red Ribbon photo contest that inspires families, schools and communities to get involved with drug education. This year’s contest theme is Love Yourself. Be Drug Free.

According to little Sarah, “Everyone should love themselves. When we love ourselves we take care of ourselves and we have to take good care of ourselves if we want to have a happy life.”

Sarah’ s mom, Rachel, said the photo contest was a great way to discuss the dangers of drugs in an age appropriate way, “We talked about the importance of loving ourselves enough to make healthy choices. As she grows we plan to continue the mantra of Love Yourself in hopes that she will always make healthy choices.”

Sarah has entered her door decoration photo in the 2014 Red Ribbon national photo contest. Winners will receive $1,000 for their school and an iPad for their family. Winners will be announced on December 5. Learn more at www.RedRibbon.org.