Pubdate: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 Source: News-Press (Fort Myers, FL) Copyright: 2007 The News-Press Contact: http://www.news-press.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1133 Author: Dean Goldberg RED RIBBON STUDENTS STANDING UP AGAINST DRUGS When you hear the word "teenager," what does it bring to mind? Alcohol, drugs, disruption and trouble? Or maybe sports, art, good grades and volunteering? You might be surprised to learn that in Lee County more than 80 percent of our teenagers are found in the second group. That statistic was easy to believe during the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida's Red Ribbon Community Celebration on Oct. 30. The students recognized during the event decorated their classrooms, developed activities for their schools and produced public service announcements, all with anti-alcohol and anti-drug themes. During the celebration, a student with a 3.66 grade-point average was honored as an outstanding artist, and two students took home the Al Oerter trophy for being outstanding athletes and outstanding citizens. It was an uplifting experience to see all of the students, their families and their teachers at our celebration. None of this happens by accident, of course. We at the coalition would like to commend the parents of Lee County. You are obviously talking about the importance of living drug-free lives, and, believe it or not, your children are listening. Our teachers those who nurture, encourage, inspire and motivate their students are also talking to our children. They are talking about the importance of studying, making the right decisions and planning for their futures. Again, our children are listening. We thank the teachers and school administrators who continue to impact the lives of our children so greatly. On behalf of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida, I want to express our appreciation to the teachers and families of our children for their commitment to keeping our kids firmly in the "second group." Keep up the good work. We're hoping that, next year, the number of kids in that group will increase to 90 percent. Together, we can make it happen. Dr. Dean Goldberg is medical director of the surgical intensive care unit at Lee Memorial Hospital and a member of the board of directors of the Lee County Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart