HISD KICKS OFF RED RIBBON WEEK MONDAY

Huntsville Independent School District kicked off Red Ribbon Week on
Monday morning during a rally at Mance Park Middle School. The week
of Oct. 23-31 is designated as National Red Ribbon Week, a tribute to
United States Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique
"KiKi" Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico.

HISD Superintendent, Dr. Richard Montgomery, welcomed students and
community members by reading a proclamation written by Huntsville
Mayor, J. Turner.

Jean Sanders, chief of the Huntsville Police Department, spoke to
students and community members about their commitment to living a
drug-free life. She encouraged students and community members to
support each other by following the drug free motto "Believe in
yourself, achieve your goals and succeed in your life."

Student councils from HISD campuses and the Huntsville High School
Speaking Out Against Problems (SOAP) Squad performed skits focusing
on the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle.

Gibbs Elementary students sent the message "Hide from Drugs" with
each letter representing a separate message, such as "H -- Hornets
choose to be drug free."

Students from Huntsville Elementary went to Camp Good Choices where
they sang and danced, encouraging the audience to make good choices
to be drug free.

"Put your attitude and attention, it's a matter of good choices. Put
up the effort and hunt for something new," they sang.

Sam Houston Elementary students sang a song called "Too Smart to Start."

"I don't do drugs. I don't do cigarettes. I don't do alcohol. 'Cause
I'm too smart," they sang.

Students from Scott Johnson Elementary were dressed as members of
different professions. A doctor, teacher, professional athlete,
construction worker, soldier and HISD Superintendent of Schools each
gave reasons why they chose to be drug free.

"I believe I can achieve and I can become a doctor that finds a cure
for cancer and to succeed, I must certainly be drug free," one student said.

Stewart Elementary presented the graduation of the class of 2017 with
one student, Bobo, not included because of bad choices he made.

"Bobo because you were not receptive to learning, drugs have ruined
your life," a student said.

Huntsville Intermediate students were also dressed as professionals
and rhymed their reasons for being drug free.

Students from Mance Park Middle School sang a drug free song and danced.

Huntsville High School SOAP Squad performed a parody of the game
show, Deal or No Deal. The contestant had to choose between several
folders containing a decision. The decisions ranged from skipping
school, smoking cigarettes or being drug free.

April Russell is a member of the SOAP squad and said they are here to
be positive role models for other students.

"We wanted the kids to know the importance of making good choices and
being drug free," she said.

Danielle Williams, SOAP Squad advisor, said the group has other
parodies it will perform during the week from shows such as, That's
So Raven, a Vonage commercial and America's Next Top Role Model.