SCHOOLS KICK OFF RED RIBBON WEEK

What to Know: Red Ribbon Week was created in 1988 in honor of the
late U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.

Before this week, nine-year-olds Emily-Jean Elaine Couch and Jennifer
Ann Lyon knew little about the dangers of illegal drugs.

"I didn't know that some drugs could kill," said Couch, who vowed to
say no if ever someone offered her illegal drugs. "I'd say no, because
they make your brain crazy. They're bad for you."

Couch and Lyon, who were dressed down in Georgia red, learned this
much during Hampton Elementary School's Red Ribbon Week presentation
that included a presentation by Henry Medical Center RN and Community
Educator Vicky Ayers.

Ayers, who visits Austin Road Elementary School today, explained to
students like Couch and Lyon the differences between helpful and
unhelpful drugs.

"You can never start too young," she said. "It increases awareness and
gives them an opportunity to learn how to say no to drugs."

Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign, started in 1988 by the
National Family Partnership in honor of the late U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration undercover agent, 37-year-old Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.

Camarena was killed in 1985 in the line of duty while investigating
illegal drug trafficking. Today, his death marks a week of drug
awareness education in schools around the country.

"It's extremely important that we try to express to the children how
important it is to be drug free and that they learn how Red Ribbon
Week came about," said Yolanda Richburg, a counselor at Wesley Lakes
Elementary School.

So said Wesley Lakes student Mark Lamar in his recitation of the
purpose of Red Ribbon Week during the school's Red Ribbon Week
kick-off assembly.

On Monday, Lamar joined his entire school swearing a pledge to "say no
to drugs."

"The kids have been very responsive," said Wesley Lakes counselor
Sonja Gibson. "I think it's important for kids to be healthy and drug
free. I think it's our job as adults to make sure that kids get the
message."

On Friday, Wesley Lakes will cheer the message on with its Red Ribbon
Week parade featuring the Henry County High School Marching Band.

Students are learning and celebrating being drug-free in similar
events this week to promote drug awareness in schools throughout Henry
County.

All week, schools have planned pep rallies, pledges, parades, essays,
coloring and poetry contests, and costume parties.