SNAP Red Ribbon Week Essay Contest

SNAP recently completed one of our two main projects, a Red Ribbon Week. Essay contest. Red Ribbon Week is a week nationally recognized to bring awareness to issues surrounding drugs and alcohol. SNAP decided to hold an essay contest for middle school aged youth in Josephine County so they could share why they choose to be drug free. We wanted to offer the schools an activity that fit easily into their regular curriculum and give them incentives to participate. Our essay prompt was “Why I Choose to be Drug Free.” Both Fleming Middle School and Lincoln Savage Middle School participated with a total of 163 essays entered into the contest.

The essays from both schools were so powerful we decided to extend awards to first, second, and third place as well as three honorable mentions at each of the two participating middle schools. Abby’s Pizza at both locations and Coming Attractions Theatres donated some of our essay contest prizes.

After winners were decided we notified the teachers and planned a visit to announce the results. At each school several SNAP! members presented the principal with the school prize of 30 red tulip bulbs. We hope that the blooms will be a reminder to the students and staff the importance of Red Ribbon Week and staying drug free. We also presented each student winner with their prizes. We presented the classroom with a sweet treat as well as red wrist bands reading “Life: Nothing Added – Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Free.” SNAP members shared the history behind Red Ribbon Week with the classes and also talked about drugs and how using them keeps you from reaching your goals.

Winning essays from both schools were displayed in the courthouse for public viewing. The essay contest was a great success and we were happy to be able to recognize youth in our community making healthy choices!

Teen Nite Event

Our second project is Teen Nite.  Our second Teen Nite was held on November 7th.

Our event was held at the Boys and Girls Club and Offered a live DJ, rock climbing, karaoke, basketball, pool tables, and foose ball.  We also offered refreshments at a low cost.  A total of 49 youth came to participate in the festivities.   One of our successes with this event was a change in location.  The Boys and Girls club was a familiar place for the teens to be and they seemed comfortable at the facility. We were happy with our November event and look forward to serving more youth throughout our community at our next Teen Nite. at our next Teen Nite.  Our next Teen Nite  will be held at the Boys and Girls Club on December 5th from 7 to 10pm.
If you would like to be a part of SNAP and help with prevention events in our community please contact Jenifer Pohling at
pohlingj@yahoo.com.