Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Miller Place students at North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) proudly participated in Red Ribbon Week, a week dedicated to promoting drug awareness and empowering each student to live drug-free lives. This year, the District welcomed representatives of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Long Island Drug Enforcement Administration.
“Red Ribbon Week serves as a call to action for our students and community members to become empowered to make healthy life decisions,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place Schools. “As role models and educators, our staff members and administrators are dedicated to informing our students about the importance of choosing drug-free lifestyles through initiatives like Red Ribbon Week, as well as several other programs and guest speakers the District provides throughout the year.”
NCRMS kicked off Red Ribbon Week this year with a visit from Officer George Lynagh of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD). Officer Lynagh met with each grade level to discuss his career working in NYC law enforcement prior to SCPD, the dangers youth face on a daily basis, and the destructive implications of drug abuse.
Officer Charles Bernard, Long Island Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent, spoke to NCRMS’s 7th and 8th grade students about the dangers and effects of drug abuse. He utilized real-life scenarios to depict the local drug issues on Long Island. While sharing a powerful message, Agent Bernard encouraged positive decision making for the District’s adolescents.
Throughout Red Ribbon Week students showcased their artistry and creativity during a building-wide poster contest. Students with the most informative posters promoting important messages of Red Ribbon Week were selected as winners. This year’s winners of the poster contest are Amelia Avalos, 6th grade; Emily Darragh, 7th grade; and Mary Duffy, 8th grade.
Red Ribbon Week was established in 1985 to honor Enrique Camarana, a drug enforcement officer who gave his life in the fight against drugs. The Red Ribbon became a symbol of awareness to reduce the use of illegal drugs and violence. As the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, Red Ribbon serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education.
