For Red Ribbon Week, sixth-graders and SADD members went to the Throop courtyard on Tuesday, October 22, to plant red tulips. Tonya Slone from Tobacco Free OC donated the tulips. An area with a Plant the Promise sign is designated for them in the courtyard.
This was an activity sponsored by SADD Sponsor Samantha Goen, called Plant the Promise.
The activity represents students’ commitment to living a healthy life without drugs. When the tulips bloom in the spring, it serves as a reminder of this commitment and a time for students to reflect on their choices throughout the year.
Tulips were chosen because of their planting and growing time. Tulips are planted in the fall and bloom in the spring, which aligns perfectly with Red Ribbon Week.
However, this is not all that was done for Red Ribbon Week. Throop STEM coordinator Marsha Wells got skilled students to write a persuasive letter to the Orange County Commissioners.
Students requested that the Commissioners light the county courthouse red during Red Ribbon Week to show their support of Red Ribbon Week and Paoli students. All Throop students signed the letter, and Wells delivered it to the Commissioners before Fall Break. The Commissioners agreed to support the students and their commitment to being drug-free.
“I love the Plant the Promise activity for so many reasons! I love that it reminds students that making healthy and safe choices is something that has to be done 365 days a year,” said School Nurse Emme Moore.“ I love that it got our students outside and engaged in a hands-on science activity, and I love that we have the beautiful courtyard to plant the tulips in where they can be enjoyed by everyone at Throop.”