News (Media Awareness Project) - US FL: OPED: Red Ribbon Students Standing Up Against Drugs |
| Title: | US FL: OPED: Red Ribbon Students Standing Up Against Drugs |
| Published On: | 2007-11-20 |
| Source: | News-Press (Fort Myers, FL) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-08-16 12:43:47 |
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.
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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