The Black and White

by Emilia Koopman

During the week of October 23-31, Pilgrim’s VAASA group hosted red ribbon week, a national campaign to spread the importance of living drug free. The VAASA group at Pilgrim, which stands for Vocal Athletes Advocating for Substance Alternatives, is run by Student Assistance Councilor Mrs. Ferretti.

The goal of this high school group is to spread awareness regarding drug and alcohol abuse to their high school peers. The group wants to show that students don’t need to drink to have fun and fit in. Throughout the week, Mrs.Ferretti spread awareness and education regarding the concerns of drugs and alcohol over the intercom through jokes, facts, and a rap. The group also set up a table at lunch on October 29 with a drug fact wheel offering prizes to winners.

Students could also write their names on a piece of paper and “link up” with other students who vowed to be drug free. On October 30 students were asked to wear red to show support of being kind to our minds and staying drug free.

Throughout the last few weeks, the group has been meeting with the new members to do ice breakers and brainstorm ideas. The next event the VAASA group has planned is attending a conference at Crowne Plaza on December 4. Members will attend the conference to meet VAASA students from other schools to brainstorm leadership strategies.

To keep up with what the VAASA group at Pilgrim is doing, follow their instagram @pilgrim.vaasa. Keep kind to your mind and stay drug free!