By Georgeana Cook

Lopez Island Prevention Coalition

The red tulips stand as a reminder of promises made by students last fall to be drug and alcohol free. Planted in various locations throughout the community by students known as The D.R.E.A.M. Team (Drug Related Education and Awareness Mentors), these bright flowers bloom during a season synonymous with hope and renewal.

The bulbs are planted as part of a week-long event known as Red Ribbon. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest anti-drug program in the country. It is estimated that over 80 million people participated in Red Ribbon events throughout the world last fall.  The D.R.E.A.M. Team is the Lopez School’s prevention club. They are charter members of a national organization known as S.A.D.D. (Students against Destructive Decisions) and participants in the San Juan County Youth Council.

The D.R.E.A.M. Team celebrated its fifth anniversary as a school club on March 24 of this year. This school club was created by a group of former Lopez students who wanted to make a difference in drug and alcohol prevention in their school and community. Their focus is community-based change through leadership, education and awareness activities for youth.

The D.R.E.A.M. Team will be planting more bulbs this fall and encourage community members to join with them in their efforts to “Planting the Promise.” For more information, contact Georgeana Cook or Della McCullough at the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition.