SADD Club Commemorates Red Ribbon Week

 by Talia Herbst, SSLI '25

Today, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club asked the student body to wear red in honor of Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week takes place every year from October 23 to 31; this week-long event is dedicated to raising awareness about drug use prevention.

Students were asked to wear red today. (Y. Pedram)

According to the Red Ribbon website, “NFP (National Federation of Parents) provides drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America.”

Paw Print Now editor and Co-President Yael Pedram explained that Mollie Bartell, the club’s advisor, brought this organization to the table. “We thought it would be beneficial to our community as a whole to contribute to this cause and do our part to spread drug awareness prevention.” Senior and Co-President Jorgia Saracino agreed that “[Red Ribbon week] really aligns with our goal of informing teenagers and helping them make smarter decisions.”

SADD Club wanted to start the year off strong with a school-wide event. Pedram elaborated: “Being able to participate in a larger movement truly allows us all to feel the impact. Our school, along with many others, is commemorating this cause, allowing us all to better understand the impact drugs have on society today.”

Junior Shir Levenson saw the flier asking Schechter students to wear red today. It was a simple task because she didn’t have to go out and buy anything. She added, “This was an easy way for me to make an impact by showing my stance against drug prevention.”

Pedram concluded, “We're really excited that we can spread awareness about this cause, and we are very appreciative of the student body for taking their part today and wearing red.”

Talia Herbst is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org.