Celebrating Red Ribbon Week and Youth Creativity in Trinity County

Each October, communities across the country come together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a national prevention awareness campaign that encourages healthy, drug-free choices for youth. This year, schools and community partners throughout Trinity County joined the celebration from October 23–31, highlighting the importance of prevention, creativity, and youth leadership.

Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest: “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free”

As part of Red Ribbon Week activities, the Partnership in Action for Trinity Health (PATH) coalition, in collaboration with the Trinity County Office of Education (TCOE) and Human Response Network (HRN), hosted the 6th Annual Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest. Students were invited to create original artwork inspired by this year’s theme: “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.”

The response was inspiring. A total of 109 students in grades 6–8, including homeschool students, submitted posters that reflected thoughtful, creative, and powerful prevention messages.

Poster Contest Winners

Congratulations to this year’s top three winners:

• First Place: Arie Novak, 6th grade

• Second Place: Magnolia Dixon, 7th grade

• Third Place: Beatrice Traub, 7th grade

First Place Winner Arie

Second Place Winner Magnolia

Third Place Winner Beatrice

Winners received gift cards valued at $100, $50, and $25, and all student participants received a $5 gift card to Up North Creamery or The Family Dairy Store. Prizes were generously sponsored by the Tobacco Use Prevention and Education (TUPE) Program at the Trinity County Office of Education.

Posters on Display Throughout the Community

During Red Ribbon Week, student posters were proudly displayed in businesses across Trinity County, helping spread positive prevention messages far beyond school campuses. PATH extends sincere thanks to the local businesses that supported this effort, including:

Creative Prints by Hannah, Gold Rush Jewelers, Gorgeous by Design Home Goods Store, Main Street Shoes, Crockett’s Up North Confectionary and Mercantile, Mama Llama’s, Trinity County Visitors Center, Trinity Journal, Mountain Goat Kids, Brick’s Pizza and Pub, Fern and Company, Douglas City Store and Post Office, and Lewiston Minimart.

School Activities Promote Healthy Choices

Schools throughout Trinity County marked Red Ribbon Week with red ribbons, decorations, and themed dress-up days. Students participated in engaging activities such as schoolwide murals, collaborative “life dreams” puzzles, crafts, and daily participation prizes—all designed to reinforce prevention messages and encourage healthy decision-making.

Community Support Makes It Possible

PATH also extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the judging process. This includes those who helped with preliminary review of submissions and the community leaders who served as final judges for the top ten posters. Their time and commitment reflect the strong community support for youth prevention efforts in Trinity County.