Every year, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying a red ribbon.  But as another Red Ribbon Week approaches, student council members Amalie and Jake want more than just slogans, posters, and spirit days.  Instead, they pledge to make this year’s event even more meaningful by having students share personal stories about how drug and alcohol addiction has impacted their lives.

Amalie and Jake both have their own stories, too, though they have no idea how connected their stories are.  Jake wrestles with misplaced guilt regarding consequences of his mother’s choices.  And Amalie still mourns for her father, killed by a drunk driver several years earlier.  Eventually, the intertwining of their stories comes to light, and Amalie and Jake must come to grips with a reality they can never escape.

This short, dramatic one-act from AATE award-winner Kendra Thomas sends a strong message for Red Ribbon Week or any time about the dangers of substance abuse.  It’s also a powerful, easy-to-stage, competition piece and a fantastic conversation-starter for any class exploring the unintended consequences of personal choices.