Laredo schools provided education about the dangers of drug use

LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – The largest drug prevention campaign in the U.S. is underway. Here in Laredo, schools are participating in raising student awareness.

From cheering to learning and lots of games, the 5th graders at Alma Pierce Elementary came together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week.

The message is very clear; to make healthy decisions and be aware of the consequences of drug use.

The Webb County Constables Office goes from school to school giving presentations on staying drug free.

Students were not only taught about the consequences of drug use, but were also questioned about it.

Zoe Garcia, a student at Alma Pierce Elementary, said, “You shouldn’t trust strangers or go with them. Always say “Stranger Danger” and have your parents check your candy. You don’t know what’s in there, like needles or things that could harm you, and you shouldn’t go into the medicine cabinet because it could be expired and make you very sick.”

They also learned the difference between prescription drugs and drugs sold on the street.

Another student, Jose Mendoza, noted, “What should you do when someone is pressuring you, and that there are also good medicines, like your medicine and all that stuff.”

Red Ribbon Week is a symbol of involvement and education about drugs in children.

The Constable’s Office says starting to teach children from an early age could prevent its use as they grow older.

“I asked the counselor to bring the fifth graders outside, because next year will be a very important year for them. They need to know and learn about peer pressure and choosing their friends when they go to high school,” said Webb County Constable for Pct. 1, Lt. Jonathan Gonzalez.

Alma Pierce wasn’t the only school participating in the event; other students in Laredo pledged to stay drug-free.

Older students were able to hear about the various resources available to them to prevent and combat addiction.

The national movement of Red Ribbon Week began many years ago, after drug enforcement agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was murdered in Mexico in 1985 while fighting illegal drugs and cartels.

To keep his memory alive, people started wearing red ribbons to encourage children to participate in drug prevention activities.

Red Ribbon Week takes place every year from October 23 to October 31.

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