For years, SJHHS has been celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a time dedicated to celebrating a drug-free life and giving care to those in need of drug addiction assistance. This year is no different. Or is it?

Originated by Henry Lozano in 1985 and first commissioned by Nancy Reagan in 1988, Red Ribbon Week has been observed year round, on the days of Oct. 23-31 in an effort to battle the drug crisis. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, tobacco use amongst high school students was about 8% whereas electronic cigarettes reached 6% amongst student use in 2024. 

It’s definitely an improvement, compared to the American Lung Association’s report of 10% cigarette use and 25% tobacco use in 2015. 

However, these statistics are only self-reported data, which reveals how there are more individuals out there who are abusing drugs, like smoke or tobacco products. 

In such a period of increasing drug use and addiction, SJHHS will plan to make this year’s Red Ribbon Week as emphasized as possible. With the help of numerous organizations, San Juan Hills is expected to make Red Ribbon Week different and more meaningful to students. 

The school will contribute through its partnership with the CUSD Tobacco Use Prevention Education Organization. The partnership will allow SJHHS to run sponsored events during Red Ribbon Week. 

Ran under one of the school’s science department teachers, Colleen Magaña, the organization will host a Red Ribbon Week poster competition! With sponsorship, the competition promises prizes for first place and honorable mentions.

The school’s ASB also plans on joining in as well. 

“We are planning a cleanup event on Thursday Oct. 24 as well as ordering bracelets this Friday,” said Magaña, also the ASB event coordinator. 

Further cleanup event details will be announced on Canvas this Monday Oct. 21. 

During this time of increasing substance use, SJHHS is doing the best they can to mitigate the crisis with new and diverse programs.