Students lead Red Ribbon Week push

It was the first time they had come to the board in matching shirts, Supervisor Miles Menetrey noted Tuesday Oct. 22, as students and community partners kicked off Red Ribbon Week.

Mariposa County High School students and alumni asked Mariposa County supervisors on Tuesday to join them in observing Red Ribbon Week, the national drug-prevention campaign, and said teen substance use has fallen in recent years.

“Every year we come together with our partners for Red Ribbon,” said alumni of MCHS.

The week honors Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was killed in the 1980s before he could shut down a drug operation.

Red ribbons became a symbol of the fight against substance abuse, and more than 80 million young people and adults take part each year, students said.

Students cited statistics showing declines in teen alcohol, marijuana and cough medicine use.

Substance use has long-term negative effects, and “we know that having a strong support system is important,” they said.

Schools are running contests, including door decorating and Mariposa County High School is hanging a banner where students can pledge to make healthy choices.

Peer support classes and spirit-week dress-up days are planned.

“If everybody does a little, no one has to do a lot,” was the closing statement students presented to the board.

Menetrey said he loved the T-shirts and that every presentation is meaningful. Supervisor Jenni Kiser said, “Whatever you’re doing is working,” noting that when it comes to decision making, the youth of today has changed for the better.

“We love having you come in,” said supervisor Rosemarie Smallcombe. “It’s wonderful to have people like you.”

Board Chair Danette Toso said the week is a chance to remind young people that they are valued and supported, and thanked schools, families and law enforcement.

Sheriff Jeremy Briese said it is important that the message continues to reach youth.