RED RIBBON WEEK HELPS PUT DRUGS UNDER WRAPS

CHEYENNE - Although fun is part of Red Ribbon Week, the event delivers
a serious message.

Young people and adults gathered Monday at the steps of the State
Capitol to kick off planned activities throughout the week. Organizers
say they want to help young people steer clear of tobacco, alcohol and
other drugs.

Jeffrey Sweetin, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement
Agency's Denver field division, said friends of slain DEA agent
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena started the week 20 years ago. They did so to
honor his sacrifice in the fight against illegal drugs.

Sweetin added that 80 million Americans will take part in Red Ribbon
ceremonies this year.

"As a result of Red Ribbon Week and similar programs, more Americans
are living drug-free than ever before," he said. There has been a 50
percent reduction in drug use since 1979 in the United States and a 20
percent drop in teen marijuana use since 2001, Sweetin said.

"Because young people put on red ribbons and took a stand, America is
a stronger, safer and healthier nation," he said.

But the ribbons can't be taken off, he added. People must stand strong
against drug traffickers and continue to teach children to live
drug-free, he said.

"Drug education is not just a fifth-grade program but a lifelong
pursuit," he said.

Students from Cheyenne schools, along with state and city officials
and representatives of the military, attended the event.

Youngsters from St. Mary's School sang the national anthem while
Cheyenne's Central High band played.

Other students who took part included rappers from Baggs Elementary
and jump ropers from Bain Elementary.

Patti Tryon of Cheyenne's Central High is one of the students in the
Change Attitudes Now program. They visit with children about positive
activities.

She encouraged students to get involved at school with events like
theater or choir.

"The biggest issue facing Wyoming is the use of drugs and alcohol by
teens," she said.

Jim McBride, state superintendent of public instruction, said young
people can be ambassadors to keep other kids away from drugs.

"There is nothing more important than you guys," he told the students
in the crowd.

Lt. John Warnock, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's Operational
Support Center in Cheyenne, challenged students to put peer pressure
on their friends not to use drugs and alcohol.

"The best decision you'll ever make is not to do drugs," he
said.

Students and adults walked to the State Capitol from Cheyenne Mayor
Jack Spiker's office as the choir from McCormick Junior High performed.

Bridget Baugh, a fifth-grader from St. Mary's School, said she came to
the event "to remind everyone that drugs are bad."

"Drugs can really kill you," she said.