WMS students combine fun and reflection during Red Ribbon Week festivities

Red Ribbon Week was both busy and exciting for the Washingtonville Middle School Adolescents Against Drugs and Alcohol Club (AADA), whose members took the lead in bringing the nationwide drug and alcohol prevention campaign to life throughout their school community.

This year’s theme, “Life is a Puzzle. Solve it Drug Free,” guided them as they put together a series of engaging activities designed to strengthen awareness and build healthy decision making habits in their classmates. 

AADA Club advisor Jennifer Dempsey worked closely with members to help execute the students’ vision. They brainstormed new traditions, created prize bags, decorated the school – inside and out with red ribbons – and distributed special Red Ribbon themed coloring pages for their peers to complete during study hall and earn prizes. 

Sixth grade students also got to enjoy a scavenger hunt, aimed at helping them better navigate the middle school as they solved riddles to reveal positive, drug free messages. Those who successfully completed the hunt were entered in a raffle for additional opportunities to win prizes.

An especially memorable moment took place when AADA members traveled to Goshen High School for the countywide kickoff celebration on the Friday before Red Ribbon Week. 

The event brought together students from across Orange County to hear speaker Frankie Wright share his story of addiction and recovery, offering a deeper, more personal look into the underlying causes of drug use and how to rise above it. 

For AADA Club Treasurer Ciella Falesto, hearing Mr. Wright’s story reinforced just how important their work is.

“My favorite part about being a member of AADA is being able to spread awareness about drug abuse and setting a positive mindset in our peers,” Ciella said. “I know how hard temptations can be to fight drugs in your adolescent years.”

It was also a reminder of why Red Ribbon Week is more than just another event on the school calendar.

"Red Ribbon Week isn't just a tradition at Washingtonville Middle School; it's a powerful statement that our students are committed to making healthy, drug-free choices,” said WMS Principal Teresa Thompson. “By uniting under the banner of the Red Ribbon, we are visibly demonstrating our collective strength, ensuring that every student knows they have the support to pursue their brightest future, unclouded by substance abuse."  

Ms. Dempsey is proud of AADA members and their dedication, noting that their enthusiasm is what makes Red Ribbon Week such a success each year. 

“They’re truly invested,” she said. “They look forward to every meeting, every activity, every opportunity to get involved. They take pride in planning these events and always want to be a part of making Red Ribbon Week special for the whole school.”

As the week wrapped up, students walked away with prizes, completed puzzles, and more importantly, a deeper understanding of their own strength, a supportive community behind them and the tools to make healthy, responsible choices.