Students at Columbia River Gorge Elementary and Jemtegaard Middle Schools recently participated in the Plant the Promise campaign, cultivating a symbolic and physical reminder of their commitment to stay drug free. Six grade middle school Prevention Club members worked with 5th grade elementary students to plant 100 red tulips bulbs in the flower beds around the new JMS. These bulbs will bloom into vibrant red tulips and will serve as a reminder to students to stay drug free. The bulbs were provided by Unite! Washougal Community Coalition.
“Activities like this help us demonstrate that our actions today can grow into something beautiful.” said Margaret McCarthy, Drug Free Community Program Coordinator. “It also serves as a reminder to students that changes can take time and what you do today can make a difference in the future.”
National Plant the Promise Week coincided with National Red Ribbon Week, and provided an opportunity to reinforce the “Your Future is Key” message about making healthy choices and avoiding drugs. Schools, businesses, families and youth across America participated by planting bulbs this week.
“Planting flowers is a symbol of hope,” McCarthy continued. “A message we work to emphasize is bulbs, like our youth, have everything they need inside to thrive and become something beautiful.”
