Pubdate: Fri, 04 Nov 2005
Source: Tribune-Georgian, The (GA)
Copyright: 2005 The Tribune-Georgian
Contact:  http://www.tribune-georgian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3841
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Red+Ribbon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

CAMDEN SCHOOLS CELEBRATE RED RIBBON WEEK

Camden County Schools kicked off its 2005 celebration of Red Ribbon
Week Oct. 24. The systemwide event was hosted at Mamie Lou Gross
Elementary with all schools participating.

Red Ribbon Week has been a major annual observance in Camden's schools
for several years. Throughout the week, all schools will have a wide
variety of lessons and activities to warn against the dangers of
illegal drug use.

In the systemwide program, students heard the story of Red Ribbon
Week, which was created in honor of Enrique Camarena, an undercover
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officer, who was killed in the
line of duty. The children took the drug-free pledge and tied red
ribbons to show the solidarity among the schools in resisting the
pressure to use drugs.

Students also heard inspirational speakers, including Capt. Mike
McKinnon, commanding officer of Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay; Neil
Guillebeau, community relations manager for the sub base; Officer Bob
Lauf, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officer for the Camden
County Sheriff's Office (CCSO); and Officer William Terrell, public
information officer for the CCSO.

All the fifth-graders in the system go through the DARE program, which
is taught by Lauf. The program informs children about the dangers of
using drugs and other risky behaviors and it gives them strategies for
choosing a safe, wholesome lifestyle.

McKinnon presented certificates to system-level and school-level Red
Ribbon poster contest winners. The system level winners were:

*  First place: Ashley Nelson, St. Marys Middle School

*  Second place: Angelica Ocasio, St. Marys Middle
School

*  Third place: Tabitha Glinski, St. Marys Middle
School

The St. Marys Elementary School choir, directed by Amanda Rector,
performed songs related to avoiding drugs and other self-defeating
behaviors. The event was coordinated by MLGES Assistant Principal
Kathy Pazdalski and St. Marys Middle School Assistant Principal Margie
Barlow.

"This was a wonderful celebration," said Pazdalski. "I think whenever
adults take time and show interest in this type of thing, the children
realize that it's important. We want to send a positive message of
support to our children and young people and we want them to know that
we believe in them." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake