This week, schools all over the country are participating in the National Red Ribbon Week Campaign. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to bring alcohol and drug prevention education to students. At the Hebrew Academy, Dr. London, middle school psychologist and Mrs. Garber, high school social worker, created activities that students engaged in throughout the week. Each day, middle and high school students received a small give away, highlighting our theme for this year: Choose _______, Don't Lose! This year, we are asking students to think about what they stand to lose if they choose a path of substance use. We emphasized the importance of what they can choose and put first, rather than using alcohol, vapes and other drugs to get high. Some of the creative ideas that students came up with were, "Choose friendship", "Choose beauty", and "Choose yourself." Middle school students had a mini lesson each day in advisory on different prevention topics such as, "Choosing a Natural High" and the "Dangers of Vaping". High School Students met in small groups with Mrs. Garber, to further explore the dangers of underage drinking and substance use. Students in 11th and 12th grade heard from guest speaker Jason Miller, an inspiring recovering alcoholic who shared his story. The highlight of the week was the special Red Ribbon Week Assembly. Former Hebrew Academy student, Sabrina Cohen, who happens to also be running for Miami Beach Commissioner, took time away from her busy campaign to share her personal story of how one poor choice can change the course of your life. Sabrina eloquently shared how when she was a high school student at Miami Beach Senior High, she made the fateful decision to get into a car with other high school students who sped down Alton Road and crashed their cars, and how she instantly became paralyzed from the neck down. She encouraged students to think about how one poor decision can have a catastrophic outcome and to trust their instincts when the voice inside says, "No". Sabrina's presentation was incredibly moving and inspirational and is one that our students will remember for a long time.
