About the Jacquelyn M. Sterling Red Ribbon Scholarship

Photo above: Recorder Chuck Harris presented the Legacy Award to Jackie at the Annual Recognition & Awards Ceremony. It was a heartfelt moment as Jackie accepted the award amidst a standing ovation for her dedication to Council.

Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon  Awareness movement has touched the lives of millions of people around  the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena,  angered parents and youth in communities across the country began  wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness  of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. In 1988, the  first National Red Ribbon event was celebrated. Today, the Red Ribbon  serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and  encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Each year the  last week of October is dedicated to prevention and awareness efforts.

The  Council continues to participate in Red Ribbon activities throughout  the county with elementary through high school age youth participating  in the many events. Red Ribbons are purchased and distributed to all  interested schools. Last year over 7,000 ribbons were worn throughout  the school corporation over the week-long celebration; Porter County  Museum sponsored an artist reception to display poster contest  submissions with over 1,300 attending; health classes encouraged healthy  choices and the top 2 essay submissions earned a scholarship to further  their education.

We  recognize friend of the Council and founding coalition member Jacquelyn  M. Sterling as a true community leader. Affectionately known as Jackie,  she held many leadership positions throughout her tenure with the  Council, but none as dear to her heart as the Chair of the Red Ribbon  Committee serving from 1990-2015.

Jackie  Sterling dedicated many decades addressing the public health risk of  substance use disorder and providing awareness to school aged youth  through the Red Ribbon Campaign. Her unwavering commitment has affected  over 100,000 students that have passed through Porter County school  hallways on their way to adulthood. The Council would like to honor  Jackie by creating the Jacquelyn M. Sterling Red Ribbon Scholarship Fund  to provide resources to students that will continue their education and  continue to make good choices.