Students and staff around the district celebrated Red Ribbon Week with special themed days.  Here are just a few of the highlights:

Union Grove Elementary School

The Union Grove Tigers celebrated Red Ribbon Week on Wednesday by wearing camo. Although they were hard to spot, they were letting us know that “Drugs can’t find me” day. Everyone came dressed in camo.

Celeste Henkel Elementary School

Celeste Henkel kicked off Red Ribbon Week with Mustache Monday! They declared, “We mustache you to make healthy choices!” Students and staff members showed off their best mustaches—real or fake—to remind everyone that making healthy, drug-free choices is always in style.

Shepherd Elementary School

Students in Mrs. Cole’s class at Shepherd Elementary School wore their favorite team gear for Team Up Tuesday. This day was a part of their Red Ribbon Spirit Week.

Scotts Elementary School

Scotts Elementary kicked off Red Ribbon Week by wearing red. Students were decorated from head to toe in red to proclaim they are “REDy to be Drug Free.”

Students at Troutman Middle School recently had the chance to see how technology takes flight—literally—when Captain David Leach from the Civil Air Patrol visited Mr. Weyrauch’s 8th-grade Computer Discoveries class. His presentation introduced students to the fascinating world of Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Uninhabited Aerial Systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, and the growing number of careers connected to this technology.

Captain Leach explained that drones are vehicles that can travel autonomously or be controlled remotely using transmitters and receivers. Students shared examples of how drones are used across industries—from military missions and aerial photography to surveying and package delivery.

“They can be flying drones on the other side of the world from a bunker in Colorado,” said Leach. “These transmitters and receivers can go all over the planet.”

Students were also intrigued to learn about the history of drones. Captain Leach shared that the concept dates as far back as 1849, when the Austrians launched pilotless balloons armed with bombs over Venice. Later examples appeared during the Civil War and in World War II, where radio-controlled aircraft were used for various missions.

The discussion then shifted to career opportunities in drone technology. While some professions involve directly operating drones, such as real estate photographers, surveyors, and military pilots, others support the field through engineering, software development, data analysis, and research. Captain Leach encouraged students to explore training programs that can lead to profitable and exciting careers in this rapidly expanding industry.

This learning opportunity was made possible through the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Program, which supports STEM education across the country. The program offers educators access to over 40 resources, including hands-on kits that promote learning through exploration.

“Aerospace Education, that’s the fun stuff,” stated Leach. “That’s the launching rockets, flying drones, getting up in the airplanes, and learning STEM.”

Troutman Middle School and Iredell-Statesville Schools are grateful to Captain Leach and the Civil Air Patrol for inspiring students to imagine the possibilities of flight and innovation through STEM.