CONNORVILLE — This week, Buckeye Local Junior High School’s student council is observing Red Ribbon Week to bring attention to the effects of drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

Activities will include themed dress-up days and daily highlights to help spread awareness.

Adviser Jennifer Panepucci said the student organization has 30 members in sixth through eighth grade, with the weeklong commemoration being led by members.

“Every day we have a theme to dress up,” Panepucci said, noting students created posters displayed in the hallways.

Posters will be judged by Sean Norman, police chief of Wells Township and the school’s DARE officer.

“We will have daily readings in announcements on the origins and background of Red Ribbon Week and how it has evolved, along with statistics since the beginning,” she continued.

Students taking part in the dress-up days will be entered into a daily drawing.

On Monday, students participated in “You Can’t Convince ‘Me’ Me to Use Drugs,” where they dressed as their favorite meme. Today, students will dress as a teacher during “Teach Yourself about the Dangers of Drugs” day.

Wednesday will focus on “Be Mean to Drugs,” where students wear will wear the color pink. “Hat’s Off to Being Drug Free,” will be Thursday’s focus, with students wearing their favorite fat. “Don’t Fall for the Trick — Drugs are No Treat,” will be Halloween’s focus on Friday, with school-appropriate Halloween attire being worn.

Teachers will vote for the best-dressed costumes during first-period classes, with the top finishers to receive a prize. Awards for the poster contest will be distributed to those who receive first, second, and third place.

“The class with the most Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports PAWS coins for the time period will receive a Halloween party and get to trick-or-treat through the classrooms,” Panepucci said. While the activity may be fun, it sends a powerful message as well.

“The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to bring awareness to kids about the effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco use,” she added.

The event has grown from an initiative that was launched in California in 1985 and spread nationwide when it was established through the National Family Partnership and influenced by first lady Nancy Reagan before officially being proclaimed by Congress in 1988. Red Ribbon Week is supported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other nonprofit organizations and private companies.