The Fort Bliss Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) recognized Purple Heart Elementary School's Heroes' enthusiasm and commitment to living drug-free with a special presentation at the school on Nov. 22.
Fort Bliss ASAP presented Purple Heart with a giant red teddy bear for winning the 2024 Red Ribbon Week spirit competition in the large school category.
The competition involved over 2,000 students from nine different elementary schools across El Paso, who participated in a challenge to see which school wore the most red during Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23-31 and which school was the loudest while cheering to stay drug-free.
Principal Gloria Aguirre said collaborating with services such as Fort Bliss ASAP has enabled the school to enhance its efforts in promoting a drug-free life for students.
“So, starting at a young age, our messages of course to lead a drug free life, but to make those connections with our students, knowing that the impact of having that education, having that knowledge and having that recognition of being drug free,” Aguirre said.
Fort Bliss recognizes Purple Heart Elementary students event photos
During Red Ribbon Week, youth and adults around the nation pledge to increase their knowledge by learning more about the destructive effects of drug abuse, including prescription drug misuse, and renew their commitment to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
At the presentation, dozens of students were introduced to Red Ribbon Man, Fort Bliss ASAP’s mascot. Dressed in a red cape, Red Ribbon Man fights his two nemesis’ Freddy Fentanyl and Wacky Weed to help keep kids drug-free.
“We wanted to do something a little bit different this year because we truly believe that every kid needs a superhero,” said Mark Mancini, the Fort Bliss’ Army Substance Abuse Program Chief. “(Red Ribbon Man) personifies what we're getting after and that's being drug-free and helping kids to make a drug-free choice and healthy lifestyles.”