FERNDALE, Wash. — In years past, the Ferndale middle schools’ Natural High Club has put on lunchtime activities to bring awareness to how the majority of students are not abusing drugs. But with distance learning keeping most students away from school buildings, Ferndale Middle Schools Interventionist Terry Saunders has had to resort to more creative means to maintain that awareness.
Saunders said in an email that students and their families are encouraged to participate in a national annual photo contest sponsored by the National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth. The Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest is part of Red Ribbon Week which takes place each year from October 23rd through 31st to educate youth and communities about the dangers of underage drinking and drug use.
Families can participate in the contest by submitting photos showing how they decorated their homes with double-looped red ribbons incorporating this year’s theme, “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” Contestants can win an Apple iPad and $1,000 for their school.
Winning entries will be those that receive the most votes or receive 1 of several judges’ awards. Saunders said the Ferndale Natural High Club won $1,000 and an Apple iPad in the contest a few years ago.
Entries are being accepted until November 1st. Public voting for favorite entries will be possible from November 2nd through November 16th on the contest website. Winners will be announced December 2nd.
In addition, a Red Ribbon Week “CruiseBy” through some Ferndale area neighborhoods is scheduled for the afternoon of October 31st. This car caravan is in recognition of Red Ribbon Week with vehicles decorated to feature red ribbons and this year’s “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.” theme. Saunders says the caravan will be led by a Whatcom County Fire District 7 fire engine. Participants are to gather in their vehicles in the Vista Middle School parking lot by 1pm and will follow a route through nearby neighborhoods for approximately an hour before returning to the parking lot.