Hurley students participate in nationwide drug prevention event

HURLEY - Students at the Hurley K-12 School are participating in Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide drug prevention event.

The event focuses on students learning to say no to drugs, but students in Hurley have also expanded the event to include anti-bullying and alcohol prevention education.

Red Ribbon Week was inspired by the death of undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985.

Students kicked off Red Ribbon Week Monday with, "Team Up Against Bullies Day." Students were invited to wear their favorite team jerseys, hats or gear to school to show support for stopping bullying. Also on Monday, students signed a Red Ribbon pledge.

Tuesday was, "It's 'Crazy' to do Drugs and 'Sock It' to Alcohol Day," Students wore crazy hair and crazy socks.

On Wednesday, students wore red in honor of the week and brought in non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

Today, students were invited to wear Halloween costumes and participated in the Citizen of the Month assembly.

On Friday, students will wear clothes backwards, to "turn" their backs on drugs and alcohol. Middle and high school students can wear camouflage to show they can't "hide" from the effects drugs can have on their lives.

"We want to encourage our students to be healthy and stay drug, alcohol and bully-free," elementary counselor Marcy Kusz said.

For more information on Red Ribbon Week, call the Hurley School District at 715-561-4900.