Pubdate: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 Source: Tullahoma News (TN) Copyright: The Tullahoma News 2004 Contact: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=49033&BRD=1614&PAG=461&dept_id=161070& Website: http://www.tullahomanews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2031 Author: Linda Trussell Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Red+Ribbon (Red Ribbon Week) CLARK MEMORIAL STUDENTS HOLD ELECTION Clark Memorial students got in on the election excitement this week when they held a mock election for president while also addressing the theme, "Elect to Be Drug Free." Kathy Knies, Clark Memorial School Counselor, planned "Red Ribbon Week" Oct. 25-29 with plenty of fun events each day of the week for students. The point was to teach students the basics of electing a president as well as to stress the importance of staying drug-free. Events during the week included, "Build a Wall Against Drugs" where students were invited to sign a paper brick pledging to stay drug-free which they stacked on the school walls. Tuesday was Election Day when students participated in a mock election for president. Clark Memorial Student Council members were in charge of running the election booths while first through sixth graders cast their choice for president. Results of the voting were: 260 Bush and 215 Kerry. Wednesday was "Red Ribbon Day." Students received a red ribbon and were encouraged to wear red clothing to show their commitment to staying drug-free. Thursday was, "Do the Write Thing - Say No to Drugs" day. Students received a red ribbon pencil and wrote their thoughts telling why there are better things to do than drugs. The week concluded with "Say Boo to Drugs," a grand finale balloon launch that fit in with the theme of staying "Drug Free." The week was an overall success, a combination of fun and hands-on learning, the kind of learning that especially sticks with students while also providing a refreshing escape from the customary classroom work. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek