This spring, Ketchikan participated in three successful projects: a teen lock-in held at the high school, a drug-free awareness table, and a healthy relationships float for a community parade.
The lock-in was held at the high school on May 22nd—a beautifully sunny day! Two guest speakers led over 75 high schoolers in games and activities that allowed them to step out of their comfort zones and get to know one another. We chose this event as we felt it would allow students to recognize the opportunity to break down some of the cliques that sometimes lead to bullying.
The middle school group wanted to focus on drug use in the community. We set up a table at Safeway and asked bystanders to pledge to be drug free. Many of them were confused, and wanted to know what the “catch” was. After we explained that the “catch” was a healthier lifestyle they were more inclined to sign our list—a total of 47 people pledged.
The last project was a healthy relationships float. We wrapped boxes with colorful plastic wrap and placed words with healthy relationships on it. The parade theme was “Building for Ketchikan’s Future” and we felt our float represented the values that need to be present for a healthy community; these words included “Respect,” “honor,” “empathy,” among others.
We were very satisfied with our projects and feel we have contributed to a healthier, non-violent community.
