STUDENTS FIND WAY OF HAVING FUN WITH NO DRUGS INVOLVED

GREENVILLE -- Greenville Intermediate School student Gerado Rea said
it was lots and lots of fun. His classmate, Morgan Teves, said it
was way cool. His other classmate, Jessica Lara, said it was way
better than doing drugs.

That was just a few responses from students who flew their kites
during picture, perfect weather at the Red Ribbon Kite Fly at GIS on Friday.

As part of DrugFree Greenville's Red Ribbon Campaign, GIS students
flew hand-made kites that they decorated with drug prevention
messages. Students also invited community leaders and residents to
act as personal mentors during the kite fly.

Sharon Kroncke, executive director for DrugFree Greenville, said the
weather was great, and the community response was awesome.

"We had the most glorious kite flying weather," Kroncke said. "The
great thing about the kite fly is that an adult can come out and
mentor a student and leave a lasting impression that it's good to be
drug free. And flying a kite is just plain fun."

Greenville Assistant Chief of Police Scott Smith flew a kite with
student Jairo Espinoza, and he seemed to be having as much fun as
the students.

"This is an extra opportunity for adults to interact with the
students at a different level," Smith said.

Jairo Espinoza said it's pretty cool to get to fly a kite with a
police officer.

"I want to be a police officer when I grow up," Jairo said. "It's
nice to have an officer here because he's a nice influence in my life."