Rialto students show school pride in pledging to be drug free

The days of pinning a red ribbon to your shirt as a pledge to stay drug free are gone. Instead, mini flash mob-style dances, rallies and decked out school campuses covered in giant red ribbons, tissue paper flowers and life-size posters have taken over – at least they have for Rialto Unified School District.

Why?

Because you only live once — “Yolo” — the message behind the 2016 Red Ribbon campaign.

And the 29 schools in the district went above and beyond in showing their pledge to stay away from drugs and alcohol as RUSD held its annual Red Ribbon Week Decorating Contest, which comes with a generous prize of $1,000, $750 and $500 for first, second and third place winning schools. Secret judges selected by district officials drive around looking for the best schools, and in anticipation, the schools put on their best show.

At some schools principals, teachers, staff, parents and students paraded outside, dancing and holding up signs that read, “YOLO – so be all you can be and stay drug free,” as motorists drove by honking in support.

Other schools took the time to cover the front of the campus with posters and ribbons, lining grassy areas with red and white paper flowers to show their pledge.

Whatever tactic was used to grab attention didn’t go unseen, as all schools should be commended for their effort, said RUSD board member Joseph Ayala.

Rialto Unified School District 2016 Red Ribbon Week Contest winners by region:

1st – Hughbanks Elementary

2nd – Carter High

3rd – Kordyak Elementary Central

Central

1st – Dollahan Elementary

2nd – Henry Elementary

3rd – Frisbie Middle

$500

Southern

1st – Garcia Elementary

2nd – Jehue Middle

3rd – Kelley Elementary

Spirit Award

Milor High – $250