MERIDIAN SCHOOL CELEBRATES
RED RIBBON WEEK
With the help of the Meridian SCIP Teams, the
Student Council, the Guidance Office, and the Meridian Chapter of
Future Business Leaders of America, the students and staff of
Meridian were treated to a very special week of activities to
celebrate Red Ribbon Week. The last week in October is designated
Red Ribbon Week in memory of a Federal Drug Agent who was
tragically murdered as he was fighting the war on drugs entering
the United States. His fellow officers decided not to let the
memory of this brave agent fade and began to wear red ribbons in
his memory. They also continued to pursue the fight against drugs.
Congress declared the last week of October as Red Ribbon Week to
remind citizens of the importance of the war against drugs.
Meridian’s Red Ribbon Week activities centered around the theme of
“I’ve Got Better Things To Do Than Drugs!”
On Friday, October 23rd, the day started
with a “Be Smart; Stay Healthy” presentation by Kim Remmenga of the
Jefferson County Extension Office. Kim stressed the importance of
beginning each day with a healthy meal. All K-12 students and staff
made peanut butter bears to have a healthy beginning for Red Ribbon
Week.
Monday, October 26th, the daily theme was
“Read! Get a Hobby! Start Collecting.” Teachers brought their
personal collections to share with students, which were displayed
in their rooms. K-8 students were also able to share the
collections found in two trunks from the educational department of
Homestead Monument in Beatrice. Tina Miller, Educational
Coordinator, brought the “Skins and Skulls” and the “Buffalo”
trunks to share with students. High school students viewed a video
on “Smoking Out the Truth” while also completing an interest
inventory to help them find things they were interested in to do
instead of drugs.
Tuesday, October 27th, centered around the
importance of exercising with Craig Bontrager from the Burkley
Wellness Center in Fairbury. Craig met with all students and staff
K-12 to give everyone ways to stay healthy through vigorous
activities that strengthen the heart. Secondary students also
watched the NETV video “Your Kids Are Drinking” followed by
discussion. Chief Deputy Fisher and his officers from the Jefferson
County Sheriff’s office held a convocation for K-12 students and
staff explaining the jobs of their office and the importance of
making good choices. They also brought the Drug Dog, , to give a
demonstration of how the dog is used by the Sherriff’s office.
Elementary students were given a sack of treats which includes
items with anti-drug messages.
On Wednesday, October 28th, the theme for
the day was “Move to the Music!” Mrs. Laura Bigley, Meridian
secondary music and band instructor, taught all 7-12 students and
staff the Thriller dance, with emphasis on choosing something
musical to do instead of drugs. For one and a half hours, they
learned the steps and enjoyed the “moves”.
On Thursday, October 29th, the Red Ribbon
Week activities ended on a very strong note with the High Schools
from Friend and Bruning Davenport joining the Meridian 7-12
students and staff in an inspiring presentation from Aaron Davis,
past champion football player for the University of Nebraska. Aaron
is now a professional speaker who encourages others to perform like
champions. Called “The Enthusiator,” Aaron he gives listeners tips
and techniques to attain greater success and make smarter choices.
He also gave a special presentation to the Meridian and Zion
Elementary students and staff, including them in his contagious
enthusiasm. The “Red, Red, Ready for Anything” day ended with a
performance from the Meridian secondary students of the Thriller
for all visiting schools and a parade of Halloween costumes from
the Meridian elementary students.
The Meridian students and staff had a busy
Red Ribbon Week, learning alternatives to do in their lives besides
drugs. These life skills will hopefully guide them to a healthier,
happier lifestyle in the future.
