As a part of the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program Red Ribbon Week, students and faculty participated in different dress up day to bring awareness to drug prevention.

According to the US Army website, the week is celebrated from Oct. 23–31, and the 2024 theme was “Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free,” and the administration encouraged participation across the campus.

“I love dressing up for Red Ribbon Week mainly for school spirit, sharing my favorite themes, and the outfit planning process,”Art teacher Estee Diaz said. “I have never refused to dress up, and I always have a last-minute outfit planned or, occasionally, always have to buy new outfits and spend 30 minutes getting the outfit together.”

Along with dress up days, there were other activities students could participate in like the annual pumpkin painting contest and group/duo costume contest.

“I love to dress up to have fun, create memories and have fun with friends, but I feel like the themes could be varied,” junior Crystal Pena said. “I reuse my costumes and spend a day or two planing outfits, and just go and have fun with my friends.”

Students shared their thoughts on the dress up costumes, and one junior said some of the dress up days drew too much attention, and students didn’t want that much attention.

“I refuse[d] to dress up for superhero day because I would not want to wear a superhero costume,” junior Judith Garcia said. “I typically use the same costumes and spend about an hour or two planning an outfit, and I find all my inspiration on Pinterest. I have had to come up with outfits the night before which I found very challenging.”