Celebrating ACPS’ Red Ribbon Poster Contest Winners

The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Red Ribbon Poster Contest winners were recognized during an April 28, 2026 event hosted by the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) as we observed Alcohol Awareness Month in April. The students' posters reflected the theme, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug-Free.” 

The 2026 award recipients include the following students:

• Rosemary Pereira-Kyle, Alexandria City High School: The ninth grade student described her submission as a flower with a face on it wilting, as it is watered by pills to represent how drugs can help lead to a dangerous and potentially deadly lifestyle. 
• Ruby Behr, George Washington Middle School, (a second-time award recipient): The eighth grade student’s artwork portrays a young girl, considering life’s challenges and not allowing drug use lead to making unhealthy choices. 
• Amaya Eneche, Charles Barrett Elementary School: The third grade student’s poster focuses on pieces of a puzzle/the important things and people in life, and how a “bad piece like drugs” can adversely affect your well-being and how “good pieces”---people working together to keep each other safe—help fix it.

The Red Ribbon Week poster contest winners each received a $100 gift card and their posters are featured in the fall Red Ribbon Week campaign.

Each year, SAPCA partners with ACPS, the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, Northern Virginia Family Services, the Department of Community and Human Services and the Mayor’s Campaign to End Bullying to host the Red Ribbon Week poster contest. This annual campaign is a coordinated way for communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance use and inspire individuals to take part in fostering safe, healthy and substance-free communities.