STUDENTS SEE RED IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

NORTH HAMPTON - North Hampton School students came to school wearing
red from head to toe, and, no, they weren't trying to rush the holiday
season.

Students participated in Focus Day, the grand finale of National Red
Ribbon Week, an anti-drug campaign held the last full week of October
each year. Students and teachers were given a red ribbon wristband and
everyone was encouraged to wear red on Thursday of that week to
represent their commitment to a drug-free community.

Prizes were awarded to the classroom, student and teacher who wore the
most red. Coordinated by school counselor Debra Vasconcellos and
People Active in Learning representative Allison Goodhue, the week
culminated with a seminar.

"It's such a pleasure to be up on this stage seeing that beautiful sea
of red," Vasconcellos said.

Student council president Tyler Williams told the story of federal
Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena whose 1985 death
at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico spawned the nationally
endorsed anti-drug movement.

"In order for each individual here to help out the community all you
have to do is not participate in any drug-related activities yourself
and try to prevent your friends from doing drugs," Williams said.

Student council vice president Kristen Bougie also urged her fellow
students to stay drug free.

"After you do drugs, no matter how much you want to be, you'll never
be the same person again," Bougie said. "Don't become another
statistic, be drug free."

The school's chorus, under the direction of music teacher Mary Oliver,
sang "My Mind is Mine" and the lyrics "I'm in charge of me. No one
else can be. Doin' drugs is stupid. Say No!"

The school band built the energy in the cafeteria with a performance
of "The Twist" that had students and teachers dancing in
celebration.

Last month, students also made anti-drug themed posters displayed in
the school's corridors and in buildings and town offices around the
community. Joe's Meat Shop took part in Red Ribbon Week, using the
brown bags students decorated with anti-drug messages for its patrons'
food orders.

"This shows how one person can make a difference," Vasconcellos said.
"So always remember, if you believe in something, you can make a
difference."

Eighth-grader Ashley Maclaughlin said every school should hold a Red
Ribbon Week.

"It represents freedom from drugs and all students should know about
it," Maclaughlin said.

"I thought it was inspiring," added fourth-grader Kyra Sarazen.