EDUCATORS PASSIONATE ABOUT DRUG AWARENESS

ST. GEORGE - While the number of youths using drugs in Utah is lower
than the national average, parents and educators are still concerned
with the perception youths hold - that use among their peers is much
higher than reality.

"All these kids seem to think most kids are using and that's the cool
thing to do and that's what's happening. But most kids don't (use),"
said Kami Farr, with Southwest Center Prevention, who works with
prevention advisers at each school throughout the Washington County
District, assisting with minigrant applications and in planning
activities and assemblies.

The Sharp Survey, Farr said, compares national, statewide and
district averages and shows that overall Utah's stats are low and in
Washington County drug use among students is roughly 12 percent to 15
percent. Most children surveyed, however, believe use among peers
ranges as high as 30 percent to 70 percent.

During the month of October, parents, teachers and community leaders
nationwide focus on antiviolence and drug awareness. In Washington
County, Farr said, most schools pick the last week of the month as
their focus week called "Red Ribbon Week."

Activities and events throughout the week provide an educational
platform for violence and drug awareness.

"It's just a way for the schools to create an awareness during that
month," said Farr.

Some schools, like Little Valley and Sunset Elementary, used
different themes throughout the week to bring the discussion to the
forefront. Little Valley students wore funky socks one day with the
theme "Sock it to Drugs" while Sunset students enjoyed an assembly
featuring the Dixie State College mascot, football and cheer teams to
"Team up Against Drugs."

"They look up to us as role models in the community. They'll listen
to us along with their parents," said DSC's wide receiver Travis
Brown, who with his fellow team members shared the message "Say no to
Drugs," with elementary students before, during and after Tuesday's assembly.

Bringing the message home to students at the elementary school level
is vital, said Cinthanie Crenshaw, Sunset PTA president, "so that
when they get to an age when they're approached about drugs, they've
already made up their minds."

Lesson plans children learn throughout Red Ribbon Week continue with
the Utah State Office of Education's prevention curriculum throughout
the school year.

See video footage of Red Ribbon Week at local schools at
www.thespectrum.com/news/extras/redribbon.html