Pubdate: Sat, 23 Oct 2005
Source: Alva Review-Courier (OK)
Copyright: 2005 Alva Review-Courier
Contact:  http://news.mywebpal.com/index.cfm?pnpid=348
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3338
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

RED RIBBON WEEK OCT. 23-31

Alva Schools Will Be Honoring National Red Ribbon October 23 - 31.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 after the death of Enrique "Kiki" Camerana, a 
Drug Enforcement Agent, who was close to uncovering the identities of key 
members of a Mexican drug cartel.

Angered by his death and the destruction caused by drugs and alcohol in 
America, those in his hometown of Calexico, Calif., began wearing red 
ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to fight the illegal use of drugs.

Today, the Red Ribbon has become a symbol for drug, alcohol and tobacco 
abuse prevention all across America. National Red Ribbon Week is celebrated 
annually from Oct. 23 - Oct. 31.

Students in Alva, Burlington, Cherokee, Freedom and Waynoka schools have 
materials donated for their observation of Red Ribbon Week.

Each year the Alva Elks Lodge. No. 1184 supplies a wealth of printed 
material for drug education programs as well as litter bags, bookmarks, 
coloring books, poster paper and stickers. All area students will have red 
cloth ribbons.

Woods County Family and Community Education (FCE) and Alva Schools purchase 
the red ribbons inscribed with "I'm Drug Free and Proud" and the American 
flag. Alva students will also receive pencils with the logo "Goldbugs Power 
Up Drug Free."

Students attending Washington, Longfellow and Lincoln are asked to keep the 
ribbons at school to wear the entire Red Ribbon Week. Each day a 
commemorative item will be given.

In addition the students are asked to wear red clothing on Wednesday and 
black and gold on Friday.

Monday, Oct. 31, is the final day of Red Ribbon Week. The children may wear 
their ribbons home on their Halloween costumes to say "Boo" to drugs.

Alva Elementary School Counselor Brenda Dixon asks parents to take this 
opportunity to encourage youth to make good choices concerning all 
medicines and drugs.

"Talk with your child(ren) to help work through childhood questions and 
fears," Dixon said. "Remember, adults set the example so join the yearly 
promotion of Red Ribbon Week to symbolize commitment to the fight of 
illegal use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom