To mark the annual campaign, Salisbury High School’s STARs/TRU club is celebrating Red Ribbon Week, held nationwide Oct. 23 to 31. The club has already completed three of its five planned activities, including decorating the school’s chalk wall.

Red Ribbon Week honors Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent who was kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985. His death enraged the community, resulting in parents and youth nationwide wearing red ribbons to raise awareness of his murder and the destruction caused by drugs.

Club members began preparing for Red Ribbon Week weeks in advance. Members collaborated to decorate the chalk wall to spark student interest.

On Monday, the club created and collected antidrug and anti-tobacco pledges and hung them in the hallways. Students pledged to “make wise choices regarding tobacco and substance use,” focusing on both cessation and prevention.

To build excitement, the club hosted a scavenger hunt. Members hid small red ribbons around the school and students received prizes for finding them.

Club members have asked students to wear red today to raise awareness. Participating students will receive raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes during lunch.

Matching this year’s theme, “Be a Hero: Stay Drug Free,” the club has invited students to dress as their favorite superhero. Club members will select winners, who will receive prizes.

Hoping to spark curiosity and open a conversation about Red Ribbon Week, club members will hand out goody bags and apply temporary tattoos to their peers for the final activities.

Salisbury’s STARs/TRU club is similar to other districts’ SADD clubs. STARs stands for Students Taking Active Roles and the club aims to encourage peers to make safe and smart decisions. TRU stands for Tobacco Resistance Unit, which helps students with tobacco cessation in addition to prevention.

From chalk walls to temporary tattoos, Red Ribbon Week encourages students to live healthy, drug-free lives while incorporating creativity, fun and collaboration. The STARs/TRU club has planned a variety of activities, giving everyone in Salisbury High School the chance to participate.