Pubdate: Wed, 27 Oct 2004
Source: Flower Mound Leader (TX)
Copyright: 2004 Star Community Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/3561
Website: http://www.flowermoundleader.com
Author: Afshan Kamrudin
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

RED RIBBON WEEK MARKS DRUG-FREE CAMPAIGN

Drug Enforcement Agency talked to McKamy Middle School children about their 
jobs fighting the war against drugs, their use of the helicopter, and the 
importance of education.

School Resource Officer for Carrollton Creekview High School, Cole 
Langston, explained that Red Ribbon Week was created in memory of a DEA 
Agent who did undercover work in Mexico.

"He was discovered and then kidnapped and murdered by five men," Langston 
said. "Red Ribbon Week was created as a memory to him and for the work he did."

The campaign, conducted the last week in October every year, has expanded 
its focus to alcohol and tobacco as well, Langston said.

Schools from around the community have found various ways to celebrate 
drug-free week.

Many LISD schools have theme days, such as "Hugs not Drugs" or "Sock it to 
drugs" where students get to bring a stuffed bear to school or wear crazy 
mix-matched socks. Pledge cards are distributed to every student along with 
some form of "red ribbon," be it a satin ribbon, a wrist band, or some 
other means of an indication that "drug free is the way to be."

To raise awareness, schools such as Ethridge Elementary in The Colony have 
signed large drug-free pledge sheets or have sponsored drug awareness 
poster contests such as Griffin Middle School and Peters Colony Elementary, 
both in The Colony.

Other schools have launched classroom competitions like door decorating at 
McKamy Middle School in Flower Mound. Since this is a week dedicated to 
promoting life without drugs, many schools have fund-raisers supporting 
special programs. For example, McKamy Middle School is having a "Drugs 
Don't Make Cents" fund-raiser, which will benefit the Betty Ford Metroplex 
Children's Program, a program dedicated to assisting victims of juvenile 
drug abuse.

As many schools throughout the state celebrate Red Ribbon Week, the values 
of a drug-free community, is the underlying message in all Red Ribbon Week 
activities.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D