This article was written by Bayport-Blue Point junior Natalie Mottl.
Bayport-Blue Point High School will hold its annual Red Ribbon week this week, October 22 through October 26, as part of a national campaign against drugs and alcohol.
The resident SADD club, which stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, plans a week each year in order to raise awareness about the repercussions of abusing drugs and alcohol.
SADD’s various projects are driven by a need to inform teens about drugs and alcohol so that they will not destroy their lives. This need drives many members of SADD, including Ms. Mauchan, the adviser and Bayport-Blue Point English teacher.
“The reason I want to educate students on drug and alcohol usage is because two of my friends destroyed their lives through these substances," she told Patch. "I think it’s important students are aware of the consequences that accompany these negative decisions.”
Red Ribbon week will feature a variety of activities. Throughout the week red ribbons will be sold at the high school for 25 cents and posters depicting facts regarding alcohol and drug abuse will decorate the school’s walls.
The front lawn will display a vehicle destroyed due to driving under the influence.
On Tuesday October 23d, all students are encouraged to wear red to show their support, and there will be a presentation for the students conducted by Bobby Petrocelli, whose motivational presentation is named “10 Seconds That Can Change Your Life”.
Petrocelli’s presentation will also be offered the same day to community members and parents at 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
On Friday Grim Reaper day will conclude Red Ribbon week and stand as a testament to the influence drugs and alcohol have on abusers and victims of their abuse. Grim Reaper day will show how many people die from car crashes related to substance and alcohol abuse by having students symbolically die throughout the day. Drug and alcohol abuse affects every community and this effort is designed to deal and reduce its effects on the Bayport-Blue Point community.
Zach Worthington, a dedicated member of SADD, describes Red Ribbon Week and all SADD activities as a critical event.
“It’s important because of the fact it could be saving lives, which makes a huge difference not only in our community, but the entire world.”
Editor's Note: Families and schools are eligible for a drug prevention grant as part of the Red Ribbon national campaign. Here is a YouTube video providing more information.
