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.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart