Every year from October 23-31, schools celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Founded by the National Family Partnership, the Red Ribbon Campaign has been promoting a drug free lifestyle to kids since 1985. The Red Ribbon Campaign is committed to raising awareness of the death and destruction that is caused by drugs in America; they work to mobilize communities to educate their youth.

This week, York will support the Red Ribbon Campaign by placing red ribbons on staff cars and around the school. In addition, several York students give their reasoning as to why they have chosen to be drug free.

 “I’ve seen that drugs can really destabilize someone’s life and even go on to affect their family,” said Rayanne Shockey, senior. 

Because of where we live and where we go to school, York students are incredibly fortunate. York gives its students opportunities to make safe choices, and offers help to those who don’t initially make the best choices.

“I don’t think it is worth the consequences,” said Lily Hohman, senior. “It ruins lives, and I don’t want to ruin mine. I think I am very blessed, and I don’t want to risk that.”

In particular, student athletes have a lot at stake; athletes obviously represent their school, but they are also responsible for taking close care of their bodies.

“As an athlete, I take lacrosse very seriously because it is extremely important to me,” said Zoe Lawless, senior. “I could never put myself in a position where I could jeopardize my standing as an athlete.”

High School is meant to prepare students for their future, and it is absolutely imperative that York students make the right decisions to have the best future possible. So this week, York, take some time to think about the choices you make, and how they can truly influence you for the rest of your life.