Pubdate: Sun, 21 Oct 2007
Source: Goldsboro News-Argus (NC)
Copyright: 2007 Goldsboro News-Argus
Contact:  http://www.newsargus.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/969
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

'RED RIBBON' WEEK AIMS TO REDUCE YOUTH DRUG USE

Students across the county will participate this week in one of the 
nation's oldest and largest drug prevention programs, as part of "Red 
Ribbon Week."

The event promotes living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle and 
encourages students to be drug free, said Allen Smith, the district's 
safety coordinator.

"This campaign provides schools and communities with an opportunity 
to bring together parents, schools, the community and business 
partners as we look for new and innovative ways to help students make 
healthy choices when asked to use drugs," he said.

The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1986 by a 
grassroots group of parents concerned about the rampant use of drugs 
and alcohol among teens. The red ribbon theme was adopted in honor of 
Enrique "KiKi" Camarena, a U.S. drug enforcement agent who was 
kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers.

All week, students and staff in the public schools will wear red 
ribbons and buttons to show their school is for a "Drug-free America" 
and will hold daily activities to promote healthier choices. School 
Street, Fremont STARS and Carver elementary schools, Edgewood 
Community Developmental, Eastern Wayne Middle and Spring Creek High 
will also have a "Wear Red Day" to encourage awareness.

At Spring Creek High, Eastern Wayne Middle, Norwayne Middle, Rosewood 
Middle, Fremont STARS and Tommy's Road elementary schools, essay 
contests will be held. North Drive Elementary and Fremont plan to 
have K-9 officers speak to students about the dangers of drugs.

Rosewood and Eastern Wayne middle schools and Northwest Elementary 
will have students sign a pledge to stay drug free.

Southern Academy plans to hold a "Slam Dunk" basketball game between 
the middle and high school students, using the theme, "Slam Dunk -- 
Drugs Are Junk." Cheerleaders for each side will create anti-drug cheers.

"Red Ribbon week is a chance to be visible and vocal in expressing 
our desire for a drug free community," Smith said. "Research 
indicates that children are less likely to use alcohol and other 
drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in 
their opposition to substance use and abuse."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman