Red Ribbon Week 2015 had full participation from Cardozo Middle School students and staff with a theme of “Superheroes say KAPOW to Drugs,” which led them to a second place showing for the Middle School Division during the week long competition.

Over 26 schools in Stanislaus County competed in the Red Ribbon Week contest within three divisions, elementary, middle school and high school.

“I am really proud of our entire school,” stated Melissa Werner, Special Day Class Teacher, and Leadership Co-Advisor. “Staff and students teamed up and participated in all the week’s activities.

“It was an extremely fun and spirited week.”

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, Werner took a group of leadership students to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors meeting to accept the honors. They received a participation award and a second place plaque from the Stanislaus County Office of Education for Red Ribbon Week 2015.

Red Ribbon Campaign 2015 was from Oct. 26 through Oct. 30, which several schools participated in by creating activities and dress up days.

Red Ribbon Week is observed by schools all over the country to promote alcohol, tobacco, drug and violence prevention and awareness in the month of October.

The Friday before the campaign began a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy and his K-9 partner gave a presentation to all CMS students to kick off the week of festivities.

The teachers held a fashion show to promote the dress up days which was a huge hit with the students, especially Mr. Contreras who dressed up as the Incredible Hulk and was in full character.

During that week one day after school teachers, students, and parents decorated the school and several classes participated in the door decorating contest.

Werner and Danielle Jensen organized the week full of activities and dress up days with help from students and staff that were committed to the Red Ribbon Week message.

Voluntarily during lunch, students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades stopped by Room 14 on campus to place a red handprint on their class poster to show their commitment to being drug, alcohol, and tobacco free. Once completed, the posters were proudly hung in the school hallway.

Ribbons were distributed to all students during Red Ribbon Week. From Tuesday through Friday that week a number would be called out that corresponded to a number on the back of the students red bracelets and if their number was called and they had their red ribbon, they received a prize.

This schoolwide effort was so contagious that students would bring extra shirts for other students that did not have that color or superhero specific to that dress day.

“I am so proud of our school getting second place because we deserve it,” said leadership student Araceli Jimenez.

“We were so committed and our hard work really paid off,” added Werner.