SCHOOLS CELEBRATE RED RIBBON WEEK

WHEELING -- Playing with balloons and a dog Monday were part of the
start of Red Ribbon Week in Ohio County Schools.

A national event occurring through Oct. 31, Red Ribbon Week focuses on
educating children about healthy choices, especially the decision to
avoid drugs.

Ohio County Schools Director of Student Services Connie Myer said the
Red Ribbon Campaign was started when a drug trafficker in Mexico City
tortured and killed Kiki Camarena, a federal drug enforcement agent,
in 1985.

This began a tradition of wearing and displaying red ribbons as a
symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs.

Warwood School kicked off the week-long event with a balloon launch.
More than 300 students gathered outside and shouted, "One, Two,
Three! We are drug free!" and released balloons into the sky.

Events will take place in schools across the county all week covering
topics such as bullying and violence, drug awareness and the dangers
of tobacco use.

The Wheeling Police Department's K-9 unit visited Woodsdale Elementary
School and presented an anti-drug program to fifth-grade students.

Students watched eagerly as Sgt. Russell Fehr and his dog, Freddie,
gave a demonstration on how drugs are found by a K-9 unit.

Fehr spoke to the children about drug safety and the importance of
staying away from illegal drugs.

"It's good to let the kids see the dog and let them know we are here
to help," Fehr said.

Woodsdale Principal Mary Kay Reisinger said she hopes the events will
help the kids "learn lessons."

"Drug awareness programs are good for the students," Reisinger
said.

Schools have a variety of activities that emphasize a commitment to
eliminating drug abuse from home, schools, and communities, not just
during the Red Ribbon Campaign, but year-round, Myer added.

"Guidance counselors and teachers work to help students understand
how to deal with the many pressures drawing them to use cigarettes,
alcohol and other harmful drugs," Myer said. "The Red Ribbon
Campaign is a way that people can take a visible stand against drugs
to keep our students, schools and communities safe."

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention
program in the nation.