Red Ribbon Week in Washougal brings focus to healthy, safe choices

WASHOUGAL — Playing sports, reading books, spending time with friends and family, and washing hands are all examples of how Gause Elementary School students stay safe and healthy. Similar conversations were held during the week of Nov. 2-5 at all Washougal schools as a part of National Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week serves as an opportunity to focus on the personal empowerment of making healthy life choices and gives students the chance to step up and be proud of those choices. The local Red Ribbon Week is held in conjunction with Unite! Washougal Community Coalition. To celebrate Red Ribbon Week this year and share the message of caring, members of UNITE! and district staff visited each school and talked with students at lunchtime. Students also tied red ribbons to trees in downtown Washougal, taking and posting selfies with them. “Our goal is to build community,” Red Ribbon Week organizer Wendy Butler said. “We want the students to understand they are a part of the big picture, and it is important to support each other in making good decisions. It is about coming together as a community in a positive way to increase awareness around making healthy and safe choices.”