Templeton Middle School (TMS) students joined together the week of October 23-31 to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention campaign. The theme for this year, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free”, encourages students to make healthy choices and emphasizes how every choice we make fits into a larger picture.
“Students were given paper puzzle pieces to sign their names and write a pledge or quote to influence and promise others that they will live a safe, drug free life,” explains TMS eighth grader Maddie Steighner.
The paper puzzle pieces were distributed by members of the TMS Peer Helpers organization during lunch hours. Each puzzle piece was then hung in the school hallway. Peer Helpers engage in different activities throughout the school year to help create an environment where all students feel supported and celebrated.
Eighth grader Ayla Tetting says the activity stressed the importance of the school community. “It really showed how one small action, like writing your name on a puzzle piece, can turn into something powerful when everyone does it together,” explains Tetting. “Each student signing a puzzle piece represents how we’re all connected, and how our puzzle will never be complete unless everyone supports each other in a healthy, caring school community,” she adds.
Seventh grader Kosisochi Ndukwe spoke to how impactful the activity was for middle school students. “If you really look past the symbolism of the paper puzzle pieces held up by tape on the TMS walls, you see the truth and the meaning behind this small act. We’re helping to build the foundation of values and beliefs in the future lives of some 12 and 13 year olds,” explains Ndukwe.
“This activity was very special to me, because of all the people who signed up to be drug and alcohol free,” shares TMS seventh grader Grace Hebel. “It means so much to me to know that people really do care about their bodies being healthy.”
Red Ribbon Week began in 1988 in honor of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and has since grown into a national movement that inspires millions to live drug-free. Templeton Middle School is proud to continue this tradition of awareness, education and community engagement.