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." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake