Many local schools participated in Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program.

West Penn Elementary School students enjoyed five days of important learning, but also had a blast with themed dress-up days.

“It was fun. We got to wear a bunch of cool things,” said fourth-grader Mason Harakel.

Monday was “team up against drugs and bullies” day, where students wore their favorite sports jersey or shirt. Tuesday marked “peace out to drugs” day, when Harakel said he enjoyed seeing all of the tie-dye shirts his classmates were wearing.

“We’re learning about a lot of drug prevention and stuff,” Harakel said. “We’re doing fun things while learning about it and to make sure people don’t do them.”

Wednesday was “too bright for drugs” day, as West Penn students were decked out in neon-colored clothing. It was a favorite of fourth-grade student Maddie Peters.

“My favorite day was the neon day - I love the neon colors, I don’t have much neon, but it’s fun to see what other people are wearing,” she said.

Peters said she recalls previous Red Ribbon Weeks, but said she definitely learned the most this year.

“I was a bit surprised with all of the fun activities and what we learned with all of our friends, and how drug-free works and everything. We learned how drugs can be dangerous and how some of them aren’t as dangerous as others.”

Thursday’s theme was “lei off drugs,” which was a Hawaiian theme. Fourth-grade student Justin Harakel wore a bright yellow button-down shirt with pineapples on it and a safari-type hat.

“It’s been really fun seeing other kids’ outfits and seeing how they dressed up,” Justin said. “Not a lot of kids dressed up other years, but now a lot of kids actually dressed up.”

The week culminated with a Halloween parade on Friday. Consensus feedback from students was that their instructors made learning fun, while addressing how dangerous drugs are.

“We learned about what they could do to you and how bad they really are,” Harakel added.