ECISD KICKS OFF RED RIBBON WEEK

Color Reminds Students To Stay Drug-Free

Crimson bands fluttered from every tree Monday on the ECISD
Administration Building's grounds signifying the beginning of Red Ribbon Week.

"Red ribbon week's really good," 8-year-old Danielle Thornton said.
"It helps remind people not to do drugs, alcohol, beer or anything
that makes you weird."

Danielle was part of a troop of twirlers from Milam Magnet School who
helped kick off Red Ribbon Week on Monday morning at ECISD.

"Seeing people wear ribbons helps you remember to stop doing drugs
like smoking," said 8-year-old Tabitha Rodriguez, who had a red
ribbon holding her ponytail in place and two more hanging from her baton.

"You shouldn't do things that will hurt your lungs," she said.

Besides the Milam twirlers, Odessa High's cheerleaders and drum corps
gave lively performances for an assembled group of about 150
educators, law enforcement personnel, parents and other students.

"This event is all about encouraging kids to remain drug-free and
marking our progress in the community," Mike Adkins, Ector County
Independent School District director of communications, said.

Schools throughout the district have activities and dress-up days
scheduled throughout the week to help remind students why it's
important to remain free of drugs.

"Drugs hurt you," Tabitha said. "They give you disease, make you
sick, give you a heart attack or worse."

Superintendent Wendell Sollis said that kind of answer is what the
district is trying to teach its students.

"We're showing the progress we're making with our students in staying
drug-free, alcohol-free," he said.