Oakdale Junior High was recognized earlier this month by Stanislaus County Office of Education and the Board of Supervisors for its Red Ribbon Week decorating efforts. The school was awarded First Place in the Middle School/Junior High Division. A total of 30 schools from the varying grade level categories participated.

Prior to Red Ribbon Week earlier this school year, Leadership Advisor Erin Benbow shared that the leadership students were committed to doing Red Ribbon Week ‘big’ at Oakdale Junior High.

“The leadership class began working on decorations and planning for the school two weeks beforehand,” Benbow said.

She also highlighted an extensive list of activities and prep work the students put into the week. Red Ribbon Week activities included: a red ribbon essay contest, poster contest, lunch time rallies and spirit days.

In addition to the activities, the students put a large amount of effort and energy into preparing the school, giving the campus a large Red Ribbon Week impact.

“We came the Sunday before the kick-off for about three hours of decorating,” Benbow said. She also shared that all trees, poles and even fences were decorated with either ribbon, posters or both.

Eighth grade student Chloe Leikhus toured County representative and judge Doris Clark around the campus during the week of events.

“Leadership students were in charge of set up, running and cleaning up all lunch time activities as well,” Benbow stated. “We also collaborated as a class to put the entire Red Ribbon Portfolio together to turn into the county that also was judged as part of our score.”

OJHS Vice Principal Diana Crofts attended the County Board meeting with the students, as they accepted the honor for their campus.

“This is a great accomplishment,” Crofts stated. “The students of OJHS worked very hard to win the county award.”