Neligh-Oakdale Kicks Off Red Ribbon Week

The war on drugs continues to rage, especially in small town America. But an Antelope County school is trying to making the fight a little more fun but dropping the lights and walking away from drugs.

The Neligh-Oakdale gym was lit up Monday night for the Glow Walk as the school kicked off Red Ribbon week. With glow sticks lining the outside of the gym floor and students wearing glow necklaces, the event proved to be one of the most popular events the school has ever hosted.

Elementary Guidance Counselor Becky Kerkman said more than 100 youth participated in the evening walk.

“I was very happy with the attendance. Parents play a big part in helping their kids lead a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. So, I was really happy to see all of the parents that were that and, the emphasis is to stay drug free. But, at the elementary age, I think it is important for them to be exercising and having fun while they’re doing it. So, hopefully they will incorporate that into their lifestyle,” said Kerkman.

Kerkman spoke to those attending about how Red Ribbon about the history of the event, which dates back to the 1970s with the death of DEA officer and the start of wearing red ribbons as a way to show support to keep drugs out of schools.

Kerkman said while the origin of the movement is difficult for students to grasp, Neligh-Oakdale instead focuses on way to encourage healthy choices. That’s why Kerkman chose the Glow Walk and included music and dancing with the event.

She stated, “I talked to some kids earlier in the day about doing the chicken dance and they were so excited about that. And it’s just a fun way to incorporate dance, so it's not always that exercise has to be a negative type of workout. You can have fun while you are exercising, and I think they really enjoyed that part.”

Schools across the county and area are also celebrating Red Ribbon week. The special week continues at Neligh-Oakdale with more fun events, like Crazy Hair Day on Wednesday to encourage students to go wild about healthy choices.