In October, Red Ribbon Week speaker Blake Fly shared stories, music, and moments that spark connection at Mitchell and Yancey County middle and high schools. Partners Aligned Toward Health (PATH) brought Blake to local schools to celebrate, Red Ribbon Week which is the nation’s oldest and largest substance use prevention campaign, started in 1985.
Fly shared a message of gratitude, reminding students and staff to pay attention to the positive things that happen in their lives and the friends, family, and mentors that support them along the way. Blake asked students to think of someone who positively impacted their life and finish the sentence, “Without you…” This simple exercise showed how small acts of kindness and support can change a person’s life for the better.
To illustrate his point, Blake shared a heartfelt thank you to his high school music teacher. Without her, he said he never would have joined the school band, traveled the world, become a musician, or built a career as an internationally recognized speaker. Through real stories, interactive songs, and practical tools, he showed teens how small acts of kindness and appreciation can change their school, their community, and their future. Students enjoyed his music, energy, and message of positivity, and each student left with a free fidget spinner sharing Blake’s message to “Appreciate Your People.”
Blake Fly spoke in Mitchell and Yancey County schools to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. The campaign was developed by a nonprofit called the National Family Partnership which was started by a group of parents concerned about youth substance use. Today, NFP continues to lead national prevention, education, and advocacy efforts to help families and communities nurture healthy, substance-free youth.
PATH invites the community to come “Appreciate Your People” and celebrate connection and gratitude at Nonprofit Night at Homeplace on Wednesday, November 12, from 5 to 9 p.m. PATH deeply appreciates the continued support of our community and local partners who make our work possible! Ten percent of all food and drink sales will be donated to support Partners Aligned Toward Health’s work in the community.
For more information about Red Ribbon Week or PATH’s work in substance use prevention, contact Partners Aligned Toward Health at info@pathwnc.org or visit pathwnc.org.
