During the third week of October, students participating in STARS handed out ribbons and stickers during lunch to raise awareness of the issues that drugs, alcohol, and bullying can cause.
“I have seen so many students lose their lives because of substance abuse,” said club sponsor and Spanish teacher Lori Rake. “This is such an important message, and it really is a lifestyle choice. Kids need to know that it isn’t bad to live that way.”
Red Ribbon Week was started in honor of an undercover police officer that was shot and killed in a drug bust.
“So many things are related to drugs that most people don’t associate with drug abuse,” said school police officer Deputy Thompson. “A majority of the crimes that I have dealt with while on patrol were related to drugs, whether someone was under the influence, or stealing to support their habit.”
STARS has been aiming to promote the benefits of a drug, alcohol, and bully-free lifestyle. The bully-free aspect was not brought into the picture until recently.
“We’ve never brought in bullying until now, but it’s another thing that should not be tolerated, so it makes sense to combine them. We need to spread the message, because a lot of people don’t understand the danger involved,” stated senior and club president Carmen Huneke.
According to guidance counselor Matt Johnstone, the use of drugs and alcohol isn’t limited to one group within schools.
“Many people would be surprised to hear that there are people using in all cliques and groups. In any high school, substance abuse and bullying are there,” said Johnstone. “It’s a matter of what each school does with it.”
North Harford has many groups and faculty members who strive to raise awareness of the issues that plague high schools everywhere.
“Making people aware of the danger of using drugs and alcohol really does make a difference. Even if it only affects one person, it is more than worth it,” stated Johnstone.