HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – While schools nationwide emphasize the importance of drug prevention, students at Watson Elementary took the lesson beyond textbooks and into the realm of costumes.

“It’s such a prevalent thing especially now going even younger with the older kids in fourth and fifth grade,” said Chris Hollister, a teacher at Watson. “So bringing that awareness to the kids, knowing that they have the power and the will to say no so it’s just a fun, good way to learn about something important but also have fun doing it.”

The Red Ribbon campaign has provided drug prevention education for children since the 1980s, with one of its most popular events, Red Ribbon Week, celebrated annually. This year, Watson Elementary marked the occasion with themed dress-up days.

“You don’t have to wear normal clothes to school,” said Ruby, a student at Watson.

“I think it’s just fun seeing how everyone dresses up different and see what everyone’s favorite movie character is,” said Chloe, another student.

“Yeah it’s fun to ask people like ‘what are you?’ and the other days were really fun too, just getting to put on something wacky is fun,” said Elijah, who is also a student.

“With elementary kids they love to do these crazy wacky dress up days, and they’re all kids at heart even the teachers that are here we’re all still big kids at heart,” said Hollister. “I tell myself I’m still a kid, even though I’m 36 years old, so it’s just fun to let them express themselves.”

As much fun as it was for the kids to dress up, Hollister said the teachers enjoyed getting to see what they came dressed as.

“It’s interesting just to see what all they come up with because like today. I had a kid that dressed up like ‘The Fonz’ and he’s in the fifth grade and that show was prevalent in the 70s and 80s,” said Hollister. “We have Marty McFly, we have TV characters, we have movie characters, it’s just cool to see the ways they take it to make it a fun day.”

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