Red Ribbon Week kicks off at Inkom Elementary

A rescue helicopter departed the playground of Inkom Elementary as the students screamed in excitement, Monday morning. It’s the biggest event the school has planned for Red Ribbon Week, a week observed in October to reinforce the principals of a drug-free lifestyle.

This week, students at Inkom Elementary will be participating in events reminding them to stay drug-free. Things like crazy hair day and pajama day are among the things students have to look forward to.

At the kickoff, a performance from the Marsh Valley High School cheerleaders got students on their feet and jumping up and down like eagles.

Next, Inkom Police and Portneuf Air Rescue explained to the kids how important being drug-free is in their positions, both emphasizing that they take a clean path through life.

The theme of the week is “life is a journey, travel drug-free,” the main reason Portneuf’s helicopter was on campus.

Members of Inkom’s PTO felt that the earlier the message is instilled in the kids the longer it will sit with them and hopefully impact choices down the line.

Drugs are an obvious issue in Bannock County, the area was declared a HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) just last year.

Inkom’s first responders feel that events like this are very beneficial to the kids.

“There’s such a problem with drugs nowadays that this is where it needs to start, at this young age, so they know to stay away from it,” Kris Bartschi explained.

Richard Spencer, a member of Inkom’s fire department, hopes the kids look up to them as role models and in turn want to help the children of the future.

“I think that’s why it’s important,” Spencer said. “They need to see the good side.”