LAUREL CELEBRATES RED RIBBON WEEK

Events Bring Awareness to Drug Prevention

BAY SPRINGS -- The City of Laurel is joining national efforts to bring
awareness to drug prevention.

Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack on Friday declared Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon
Week.

City officials along with students from Laurel Middle School took part
in the Red Ribbon Week Kickoff Celebration and special proclamation
signing Friday morning.

Among those taking part in the event along with Mack were Laurel
Police Chief Walter "Bear" Martin, Laurel City Judge Cecelia Arnold,
Laurel Fire Chief Jimmie Bunch, Ward Seven City Councilman Trey Chinn,
Ward One Councilperson Willie L. Evans and several other city
employees and supporters.

"Cities across America have been plagued by the numerous problems
associated with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use," Mack said.
"Hope of winning the War on Drugs lies in the hard work and
determination of our communities to create a drug free
environment."

On a fence, which is behind the First Church of God, near the 16th
Avenue and the Interstate 59 North off-ramp, participants painted foam
cups red to deliver the message that "Laurel is a Drug-Free Zone."

Students from Laurel Middle School took part in the celebration and
announced that they are "Too Good For Drugs."

Officials said the support of the people in the neighborhoods is the
most effective tool they can have in their efforts to reduce the use
of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

"Patience and continued commitment to drug education and prevention
are imperative for the success of community efforts to create a
drug-free environment," Mack said. "We want you to stay drug free."

Many of those speaking to the young people Friday told them that using
drugs are dangerous.

"A lot of lives have been ruined by drugs and families are destroyed.
It's nothing but heartbreak," Arnold said. "Don't go down that road.
Protect your minds, bodies and future."

Martin agreed.

The police chief said LPD is committed to the safety of
citizens.

"We want to help make and keep Laurel a safe place to live," Martin
told the young people. "Every one of you have the potential to be
leaders. Don't let your future be ruined by drugs."

LMS sixth-grader Kadarius Kennedy said he learned from the
event.

Mitchell Cross, an eighth grader at Laurel Middle, said the
celebration was meaningful.

"They reminded us that drugs are bad for you," Cross said. "I plan to
stay off of drugs."

Quentin Terrell, a Laurel resident, said he enjoyed being a part of
the kickoff celebration.

"Being drug-free really does make a difference," Terrell said. "I just
want to try to make a difference for our young people."

Local events are part of the national Red Ribbon Campaign, which was
established by Congress in 1988 to promote this belief and to
encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention
efforts.

October 23-31, 2010 has been designated National Red Ribbon Week
during which time all citizens are called upon to show their support
for a drug-free area by wearing a red ribbon and participating in
drug-free activities.

Organizers said the red ribbon was chosen as a symbol to commemorate
the work of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration
agent, who was murdered in the line of duty, and has come to represent
the belief that one person can make a difference.

Chinn and residents of Ward Seven have donated money to cover the cost
associated with the Laurel Police Department's Red Ribbon Week activities.

LPD Sgt. Shannon Caraway, who is in charge of the activities, said a
variety of events have been scheduled to encourage people to be drug
free.

A list of events ranging from a neighborhood blitz to a death to drugs
candle light vigil and funeral procession have been planned for the
week.

Also as a part of the celebration, a local service organization is
sponsoring a drug-free march and celebration today.

The Laurel Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is
sponsoring its Annual Drug Free March/Walk that will be held from 10
a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Mason Park.

Dr. Maggie Griffin, chairperson of the sorority's education committee,
said the theme for the event will be "Too Good for Drugs."